Donovan Michael Ramirez, 45, is believed to have murdered his wife Stephanie Renee Ramirez, 39, and daughters Alyssa Berumen, 22, Sunny Ramirez, 11, and Shelby Rose Ramirez, seven, in an attack related to domestic abuse.
Police confirmed they found a firearm at the horrific scene on Tuesday afternoon after being called for a welfare check – but the tragic family’s cause of death has yet to be confirmed.
When officers arrived at the scene on Lake District Lane in Lake Nona, one of the officers on duty had to go outside after becoming ill due to the upsetting nature of the ordeal.
Friends and family of the victims laid flowers outside the home as 11-year-old Sunny’s classmates paid tribute to their ‘caring’ friend last night.
According to locals, the family moved to the neighborhood from Los Angeles in 2020.
Family friends laid flowers outside the home in Orlando, Florida, following the death of Donovan Michael Ramirez’s family members. His wife Stephanie Renee Ramirez, 39, and his daughters, Alyssa Berumen, 22, Sunny Ramirez, 11, and Shelby Rose Ramirez, seven, were killed in an attack believed to be related to domestic abuse.
Sunny Ramirez, 11, was one of the victims of the murder-suicide. The young lady’s classmates paid tribute to their ‘caring best friend’ last night
The Orlando Police Department said, “At this time, it appears to be a domestic violence related incident.” A gun was found in the home, but the cause of death has not yet been determined
Katelyn Rampersad and Amarie Padovani, both 11, attended Northlake Park Community School with Sunny – and said she was their “best friend” who made them feel at home in Florida.
The motive behind the murder-suicide is still unclear.
The Orlando Police Department said, “At this time, it appears to be a domestic violence related incident.”
A neighbor Heather Collins told WESH: “I think it’s really like a worst nightmare. I don’t even know exactly what happened. My heart goes out to the family. I can’t even begin to wrap my mind around it all, especially if family is involved.
“I didn’t hear anything, I wish I did. I sure wish I was that concerned neighbor who did something about this situation.”
Another local Jose Sanchez said he would see the family out in the yard and that the neighborhood has never seen anything like this before.
He said: “See them in the yard when I go for my walks in the morning. Say hello, nothing out of the ordinary or anything strange. Shocking. The first thing I thought was for the kids, that’s the first thing you think of is the poor kids, you know, the little kids.
“I’ve been here seven years in this neighborhood and it’s the first time we’ve seen something like this happen. You don’t know how to react, do you?’
Dr. Lisa Spector, a mother whose daughter was friends with the two victims, said: “I wanted to honor this sweet, beautiful, young lady and her sister and her family.”
The investigation continues.
Amarie Padovani (left) and Katelyn Rampersad (right) went to school with the two young victims. Last night they paid tribute to their beloved classmate
Cards, stuffed animals and flowers were placed outside the home where the tragic family were found dead
Friends of the family consoled each other last night after police made the gruesome discovery on Tuesday midday. They attended the scene, conducting a welfare check on the family. But instead they found the five members dead in the house in Orlando
