Twin baby dies week after pregnant mother shot dead

Michael Boyce arrested in wife's death

ORLANDO, Fla. – A twin baby who survived when his pregnant mother was shot and killed last week in Orange County died late Thursday night, according to officials.

The boy, named Jael Boyce, died a week after his mother, 23-year-old Alexis Boyce, was shot in the head in her Orlando apartment, the Orange County Sheriff's Office said. 

Boyce, who was 8 months pregnant, was pronounced dead last week at Orlando Regional Medical Center.  One of the babies also died.  Jael was in the neonatal intensive care unit at Winnie Palmer Hospital, but died early Friday, according to sheriff's officials.

"I can't tell you the grief I bear," said Fannie Huntley. "As a grandmother I was looking forward to baking cookies, the same as I did with their mother and the same that I did with my foster kids."

Boyce's husband, 33-year-old Michael Boyce, was arrested in the shooting, which happened last Thursday at the Ashley Place Apartments near Pershing Avenue in Orlando.  He now faces three counts of first-degree murder.

Authorities said the couple shared the apartment with Alexis Boyce's parents, who were in their bedroom they heard the gunshot.

Michael Boyce initially told deputies that Alexis had shot herself. He said Alexis said she was depressed and asked to see Michael's handgun. It wasn't until he gave contradictory statements and was confronted with evidence that he told detectives he shot his wife in the head, officials said.

Michael Boyce is a former military police officer and currently works as an armed security guard.

A motive for the shooting is not known.

Alexis' family says they have already forgiven their son-in-law.

"We forgive him for what happened , but there's three empty spaces in my family."

Watch Local 6 News and stay with ClickOrlando.com for updates on this story.


Recommended Videos