In what has been described by law enforcement as a tragic murder-suicide, 44-year-old Jacqueline Castillo Reyes was killed in her Daytona Beach, Florida, home on July 27, 2026. The incident, which left the couple's three sons orphaned, was the culmination of a period of separation and alleged domestic turmoil. Jacqueline had moved to Daytona Beach about a year prior to distance herself from her estranged husband, 54-year-old Robert Reyes Jr. of St. Cloud.
According to Daytona Beach Police Chief Jakari Young, Robert Reyes Jr. became infuriated after learning that his estranged wife had started dating other people.
On the evening of the incident, Robert Reyes Jr. forced his way into Jacqueline's townhome on Reena Drive and fatally shot her. The horrifying event was partially overheard by one of the couple's sons, who was on the phone with his mother at the time and subsequently called 911. Her oldest son, David Reyes, later recounted the harrowing moment, stating he heard his mother screaming and begging for her life over the phone. Police believe Robert Reyes Jr. intended to take his own life at the scene, but his firearm malfunctioned. This was not the first instance of trouble, as police had been called to Jacqueline's home in December of the previous year for a burglary, during which Robert Reyes Jr. had bleached some of her clothing.
Following the murder, Robert Reyes Jr. fled the scene, prompting an alert to be issued to surrounding law enforcement agencies. He was later located in Titusville after his vehicle was flagged by license plate readers. A police pursuit ensued, ending when Robert Reyes Jr. crashed his vehicle into a pond at Sand Point Park. Officers found him deceased inside the vehicle from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The case is classified as a murder-suicide, with no outstanding suspects. As a result, there will be no arrests or trial. The couple's three sons are now faced with the loss of both parents in the span of just two hours.
