On August 24, 2024, a tragic incident occurred in Hialeah, Florida, resulting in the deaths of 27-year-old Rosemary Gutierrez and her 28-year-old boyfriend, Clifford Renard Murray III. The couple, who were in a relationship and living together, were found dead in their apartment at 605 West 68th Street.
According to the Hialeah Police, Murray shot and killed Gutierrez before taking his own life.
The bodies were discovered after Gutierrez's sister, who had not heard from her in several days, went to the apartment and found no one answering the door, but heard the couple's 3-year-old son crying inside. She subsequently called the police, who had to force their way into the apartment to find the deceased couple and the unharmed but dehydrated child.
Neighbors reported hearing gunshots around midnight on Saturday, although the exact timeline of the events is still under investigation. Surveillance videos from a neighbor's camera showed Gutierrez returning home late Friday night and Murray carrying their son outside the apartment shortly before the gunshots were heard.
The couple had been living in the apartment for several years and were described by neighbors as quiet and hardworking. Murray was believed to have worked as a security guard. Despite their outward appearance of a stable relationship, the incident highlights the often unseen struggles that can occur behind closed doors.
The 3-year-old son, who may have been alone with his parents' bodies for several days, was found safe but visibly scared and dehydrated. He was taken to a local hospital for evaluation and is now in the care of the Florida Department of Children and Families.
Friends and acquaintances of the couple expressed shock and sadness at the news. Gutierrez's friend from high school described her as a cheerful person who always laughed and joked, and remembered Murray as someone who seemed to care deeply for Gutierrez. The community has been deeply affected by the tragedy, with many expressing sorrow for the young child who has been left without parents.
