This week, tragedy struck one young girl’s first day of online learning in Indiantown, Florida. The 10-year-old logged onto Zoom to attend class for Warfield Elementary when her mother, 32-year-old Maribel Rosado-Morales, was shot and killed in her home.
According to reports, as other children were logging on to begin class, yelling and profanity could be heard over the call. Upon realizing it was most likely a domestic altercation, the teacher muted the audio to prevent other students from hearing. Then, she saw the young girl put her hands up to her ears.
As soon as she covered her ears, shots were fired. One bullet struck the girl’s computer, making the screen go blank.
“Senseless Tragedy” Strikes
According to Buzzfeed News, there were six children in the home at the time of the murder. Rosado-Morales’ four children, including the student, and two of their cousins were home when the mother’s ex-boyfriend, Donald J. Williams, arrived at the home.
Williams, 27, fled the scene shortly after shooting Rosado-Morales, according to the Martin County Sheriff’s Office. About 40 minutes later, Williams was arrested on suspicion of killing Rosado-Morales. Authorities also retrieved a handgun they believed was used in the shooting.
Martin County Sheriff William Snyder said Williams went to the home to confront the mother of four about “something to do with a video.” The couple had a history of domestic violence and had been estranged for more than a year. Then, the argument escalated and Williams began shooting.
Once taken into custody, Williams confessed to shooting Rosado-Morales and is currently facing a first-degree murder charge. Rosado-Morales was airlifted to Lawnwood Regional Medical Center, but did not survive her injuries.
CBS12 shared a statement from Warfield Elementary and the Martin County School District on the tragedy:
Our deepest sympathies and condolences go out to the victim’s family, including the children present in the home who were witnesses to this heartbreaking and senseless tragedy. We have our grief team deployed to assist students and staff who will undoubtedly feel the impact of this horrible incident. We stand ready to assist and offer support in any way we can.
Warfield Elementary and Martin County School District
The full statement from Snyder can be seen below:
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Buzzfeed News