On April 14, 2023, a tragic incident occurred in Orlando, Florida, resulting in the deaths of 39-year-old Tanishia Starr and her 20-year-old daughter, Tanga Owens. The two women were found shot in a car parked at the Lake Sherwood Apartments, located off Apopka-Vineland Road. They were transported to a hospital but were later pronounced deceased.
The suspect in the shooting is Radrick Deshay Francois, the 20-year-old father of Tanga Owens's 2-year-old daughter.
According to investigators, the shooting took place at a designated drop-off site for child custody exchanges between Francois and Owens. Security footage shows Francois approaching the vehicle, interacting briefly with the victims, and then shooting them before leaving the scene with the 2-year-old child in his arms. An 8-month-old boy, also Owens's child, was found unharmed in the backseat of the car.
Francois was identified and apprehended by deputies from the Orange County Sheriff's Office, who were in the area for an unrelated investigation. Witnesses described the suspect as wearing a "Sesame Street" Count von Count hooded sweatshirt, which was later recovered during a search of his apartment along with several rounds for a 9mm handgun. Francois claimed he shot Owens in self-defense and accidentally shot her mother, but this account contradicts the evidence from security footage.
The family and friends of the victims described Tanishia Starr and Tanga Owens as inseparable and loving individuals who brought joy to those around them. Tanishia was a devoted mother of five, and Tanga was a mother of two who was pursuing a teaching degree at Valencia College. The community is deeply affected by their loss, and the family is seeking justice for the senseless and cowardly act.
Francois has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder with a firearm and is currently being held in the Orange County Jail without bond. The two young children left behind by the victims are now safe with relatives.
