Children found in Orange County home after murder-suicide

2 children placed in custody of DCF

ORLANDO, Fla. – A man and woman are dead after a suspected murder-suicide Wednesday afternoon at an Orange County home, according to sheriff's officials.

Two young children were found inside the Buchanan Bay apartment after the shootings, Orange County Sheriff's Office spokesman Jeff Williamson said. The children, one of whom is 1 year old, were not injured.

Deputies are attempting to determine the relationship between the man and the woman, but it is believed that they were in a romantic relationship.

Deputies said the man was pronounced dead at the scene, and the woman was pronounced dead at Orlando Regional Medical Center. 

They were identified Thursday afternoon as Geardine Petit Frere, 25, and Hans Peter Joseph, 28. Deputies said Petit Frere had filed a petition for injunction for protection in October, but later withdrew it.

Authorities said it's believed one of the children was the couple's child and the other was being babysat by the woman who was shot and killed. They were placed in the custody of the Department of Children and Families.

No other details have been released.

Watch News 6 and stay with ClickOrlando.com for updates.


Recommended Videos