MARION COUNTY, Fla. – Marion County detectives investigating the four “suspicious” deaths near Ocala have identified the names of the victims and believe carbon‑monoxide poisoning may be to blame, according to the sheriff’s office.
Deputies responded around 10:25 p.m. Friday to Banyan Track Way for a welfare check, the post states. There, they found two adults and two children dead inside of a residence, according to the post.
On Monday, deputies said the four were identified as 33-year-old Yohan Sanchez, 37-year-old Rebeca Santos, 15-year-old Michael Melendez, and 2-year-old Samuel Sanchez.
“Our thoughts are with their loved ones during this incredibly difficult time. The investigation is ongoing, and additional information will be released as it becomes available,” the sheriff’s office said in a release.
The deaths are being investigated by the sheriff’s office’s Major Crimes detectives, the post states.
A spokesperson for the sheriff’s office told News 6 in a statement that investigators do not believe there is any threat to the community, adding the home was not previously known to law enforcement.
In an update to the post, the sheriff’s office said investigators suspect the deaths may be the result of carbon-monoxide poisoning. An official cause of death is still pending word from the Medical Examiner’s Office and no foul play is suspected, the update states.
No other details have been shared or confirmed at the time of this report.
This is a developing story. Check back here for updates.