Recording shows accused killer confessing to police

Hector Collazo, 57, accused of killing wife, stepson

ORLANDO, Fla. – Recorded police interviews show for the first time an accused killer confessing the crime to Orlando police.

The recorded police interview of Hector Collazo, 57, was conducted the day his wife, Caryn Collazo, and his stepson, Zachary Hummelsine, were shot and killed inside their home on Lake Champlain Drive.

Investigators said Collazo has claimed self-defense in the shooting, which happened on March 2 in the master bedroom of their home.

[RELATED: Man accused of fatally shooting family tries to claim self-defense]

In a recorded interview with police obtained by News 6, Collazo said his wife had just told him she was moving to Tennessee. He said his medical license had lapsed, and he was having a hard time finding a job.

He said he and his wife got into an argument, and she was holding a kitchen knife.

"Honestly, I got a little scared," he told investigators. "I didn't know what to do. I'm sorry."

Collazo can be heard saying he grabbed his gun out of his nightstand and fired one shot at Caryn.

"When she tried to put that knife in front of me, I just shot my gun," he said.

"I was feeling very sorry," he said. "I don't know how to say this -- very guilty. At that time, I didn't know what I was supposed to do -- get stabbed or defend myself."

Collazo said after he shot his wife, his two sons appeared in the doorway. One of them, Zachary, was holding a knife.

"The door was open and her son was armed with a knife. I thought he was going to attack me, and I shot him," Collazo told investigators.

Investigators said his other son, Rafael, ran out of the home and called 911. Recordings of his call show a frightened 15-year-old pleading for help.

"My father just shot my mother and brother!" he told the dispatcher.

He is heard breaking down and crying as dispatchers send police and medical help.

"I can't live without my brother! Please!" he said.

Collazo is charged with two counts of second-degree murder. He is being held in the Orange County Jail without bond.


About the Author

Erik Sandoval joined the News 6 team as a reporter in May 2013 and became an Investigator in 2020. During his time at News 6, Erik has covered several major stories, including the 2016 Presidential campaign. He was also one of the first reporters live on the air at the Pulse Nightclub shooting.

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