On March 10, 2024, a tragic incident occurred in a family residence at the Royalton on the Green Apartments located at 17400 Northwest 68th Avenue in Miami-Dade County, Florida. The victims included 13-year-old Stephanie Penalba, her 18-year-old brother Jason Penalba, their mother Yumara Martinez Morejon, 50, and their father Victor Peñalba Gonzalez, 60.
Stephanie Penalba, a student at Hialeah Middle School, was found dead along with her family members due to apparent gunshot wounds.
The discovery was made when police responded to a welfare check at the apartment after Jason's friends and girlfriend had not heard from him for several days. Jason had sent a cryptic message to his friend or girlfriend around a week before the incident, suggesting that something bad might happen if they did not hear from him within four to five days, which led relatives to believe that Victor Penalba had been threatening them.
Victor Penalba, who had a history of domestic violence and was described as super jealous and dominating, is believed to have perpetrated the tragedy. He had recently lost his job with the Hialeah water department and had moved back in with his family despite the disapproval of Yumara's relatives. The family had been experiencing financial difficulties, and Yumara had given Victor another chance to live with them and help with the bills.
The police investigation revealed that Victor Penalba fatally shot his wife, Yumara Martinez Morejon, and their two children before taking his own life. The bodies had been in the apartment for over a week before they were discovered, indicated by a distinct foul odor that alerted the authorities. Victor's body was found in the master bedroom with a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Relatives expressed shock and devastation over the incident, highlighting the escalating nature of domestic violence and the tragic consequences when it is not addressed. Yumara's brother, Juan Rodriguez, emphasized that the family had no idea Victor was capable of such violence and regretted not intervening sooner to prevent the tragedy. Stephanie and her brother Jason were remembered fondly by their family and friends, with Stephanie noted for her love of drawing and Jason for his interest in video games and his recent acceptance to college.
