The three victims in a tragic murder-suicide in Florida have been identified as a mother, grandmother, and aunt.
According to a GoFundMe page, “The family we lost were cherished individuals who brought joy and love to everyone around them. We lost a devoted mother, Marissa Leara Rowell, who was a guiding light for her five-year-old daughter; a loving first-time grandmother, Sandra Gayle Fogarty, who had long awaited the joy of having a granddaughter; and a devoted aunt, Alisha Lael Fogarty, who adored her niece and spent countless hours playing games and supporting her like a sister.”
Marissa, 32, Sandra, 71, and Alisha, 33, were fatally shot inside a home on West 12th Avenue in Hilliard, Nassau County, Florida, around 8 p.m. on Thursday, July 24.
Marissa’s 5-year-old daughter was able to escape unharmed and sought help at a neighbor’s house.
Authorities identified the shooter as 34-year-old Christopher Bobby Rowell, who died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
At a news conference on July 25, Nassau County Sheriff Bill Leeper described the scene: officers entering the home found a female victim lying in blood between the living room and dining room. A male subject was then seen in the living room beside an SKS-style assault rifle.
Another victim was discovered in the hallway bathroom, and a third female victim was found in a nearby bedroom.
The male shooter had a faint pulse and was airlifted to a hospital, where he later passed away.
Sheriff Leeper explained, “It appears the shooter first shot the female in the living room and dining room area, then shot the female in the bathroom, followed by the female in the bedroom. He eventually returned to the living room where he took his own life.”
The sheriff also revealed details about the young girl’s experience: she was in the back of the house when she heard gunfire, then walked down the hallway and saw one of the victims on the floor. “Another female grabbed her and placed her in the bathroom,” Leeper said.
Tragically, that woman was then shot, and the little girl had blood splatter on her.
The GoFundMe page shared, “This child now faces a future without the warmth and loving support of her family. We are committed to ensuring she receives the care and love needed to heal from this traumatic incident.”
The family is seeking assistance to cover cremation costs and to support Marissa’s daughter moving forward.
