On May 17, 2024, Sandra Pape King, a 55-year-old resident of Ocoee, Florida, was fatally shot at her home. The incident occurred around 7:50 a.m. at 1006 Idaho Court, where police responded to a call and found King with a gunshot wound. She was transported to Advent Health Apopka, where she later succumbed to her injuries.
The investigation by the Ocoee Police Department revealed that the shooter was an 11-year-old relative of King, who lived with her.
The pre-teen, whose identity has not been disclosed due to his age, was taken into custody. Police have stated that there is no threat to the public and no other suspects are being sought in this case.
Neighbors reported hearing screaming and saw King on the ground in the driveway after she stumbled out of the house. One neighbor described the boy as having an average temperament for his age, noting that he had occasional tantrums, which were considered normal for a child of that age.
The boy made his first appearance in juvenile court on Saturday, May 18, where his attorney waived his appearance. A cousin of the boy, who has been his guardian since he was six weeks old, requested and was granted permission by the judge to allow family members to visit him at the juvenile detention center.
The family expressed concerns that the boy may not fully understand the gravity of his actions. The cousin stated, "He doesn’t understand what’s going on. I don’t even think he knows he killed her." The investigation into the shooting is ongoing, and it remains unclear how the child obtained the gun or what led to the incident.
Sandra Pape King was born on July 21, 1968, in Benton, Illinois. She is survived by her husband, Ron Ondersma; her daughter, Samantha Muhlbach; her son-in-law, Ryan Muhlbach; her nephew, Gabriel Pape; her stepdaughters; her mother, Lynn Armitage; and her grandchildren, among other family members. A celebration of life was held for King at Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church of Orlando.
