Two children are without parents after their estranged father allegedly asked if they wanted to “go to heaven with dad” before a fatal shooting in Bradford County, Florida.
Authorities responded to a 911 hang-up call around 5:15 a.m. on Jan. 29, according to News4JAX, WCJB and Mainstreet Daily News. Those outlets reported that Loyd Alan Kerr, 50, was found dead near the front entryway of the home with a gunshot wound to the head. His estranged wife, Rachael Renee Kerr, 43, was found unresponsive in the yard with what appeared to be a gunshot wound to the neck. First responders attempted life-saving measures, but both were pronounced dead.
Reports indicate the incident was tied to an ongoing domestic violence case involving the couple.
In a Facebook post, Bradford County Sheriff Gordon Smith said the children — ages 9 and 11 — were not physically harmed and were placed in the care of the Florida Department of Children and Families pending placement with relatives.
Sheriff Smith said Rachael woke up believing someone had broken into the home and called 911 before the call disconnected. He said Loyd entered the house, took the children to a vehicle outside, and tried to force Rachael into the vehicle before she escaped with injuries.
After she fled, deputies said Kerr took the children outside and asked if they wanted to “go to heaven with dad” before shooting himself. The children then ran to a neighbor’s home.
Bradford County Chief Deputy Brad Smith told News4JAX that Kerr also pointed a gun at the children, who “begged him not to do it.”
The outlets reported that a landlord who lives on the same property went outside after hearing arguing and encountered Kerr waving a gun at her, prompting her to run back to her home.
According to the reports, Rachael had obtained a restraining order against Loyd, and authorities had responded to the residence multiple times in the past. Loyd also had several pending domestic violence cases and had recently been released from jail following a domestic violence charge.
A GoFundMe created to support the children has raised more than $14,000. The page says the siblings are now in their uncle’s care and that donations will help with day-to-day expenses, clothing and school supplies, counseling, legal and guardianship costs, and creating a stable home environment as they begin to heal.
“[Rachael] can rest easy. Finally take a rest. Don’t worry about your kids. We got them now.”
