In a heartbreaking turn of events, Stephen McKenzie, the 34-year-old man accused of fatally shooting his partner and three children in a Pembroke Park apartment, has died in the hospital from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The tragic incident, which unfolded on the evening of March 26, 2025, claimed the lives of Julie Cruz, 32, and her sons Xion Solomon, 11, and Nova and Emery McKenzie, both 2 years old. As the community grapples with the aftermath of this devastating loss, new details have emerged, painting a clearer picture of the circumstances that led to this unimaginable act of violence. Amid the sorrow, one survivor, 8-year-old Phiinyx Solomon, continues her brave fight for life in the hospital, offering a glimmer of hope in an otherwise bleak narrative.
The Broward Sheriff’s Office, tasked with investigating the shooting, confirmed that McKenzie succumbed to his injuries on March 31, 2025, bringing a somber close to a case that has shaken South Florida. Authorities initially found McKenzie in critical condition at the scene, alongside Phiinyx, who had also been shot. While Julie Cruz and her three sons were pronounced dead at the apartment on West Hallandale Beach Boulevard, McKenzie and Phiinyx were rushed to separate hospitals—McKenzie to HCA Florida Aventura Hospital and Phiinyx to Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital in Hollywood. Phiinyx, the sole surviving child, remains in serious condition, her resilience a testament to the strength of a young life caught in the crossfire of domestic turmoil.
Kelvin Solomon, the father of Xion and Phiinyx from a previous relationship with Cruz, has since spoken out, shedding light on the strained dynamics that preceded the tragedy. He revealed that Cruz had been in the process of separating from McKenzie, a decision that McKenzie struggled to accept. Solomon recounted a tense encounter just days before the shooting, where he attempted to mediate between the couple during a heated exchange. He described an unsettling feeling about McKenzie’s demeanor, a premonition that, in hindsight, foreshadowed the catastrophic events. This revelation adds a layer of complexity to the narrative, suggesting that personal conflict may have fueled McKenzie’s actions.
Further insight into McKenzie’s state of mind has emerged with reports indicating that he suffered from bipolar disorder, a mental health condition characterized by extreme mood swings. While this detail does not excuse the violence, it underscores the critical need for mental health awareness and intervention, particularly in high-stress domestic situations. Neighbors and family members alike expressed shock at the incident, describing McKenzie as a quiet, respectful individual who adored children. His stepmother, Deon McKenzie, shared her disbelief, recalling his playful and loving nature with kids, a stark contrast to the man who carried out such a heinous act. She suggested that something must have gone terribly wrong for him to deviate so drastically from the person she knew.
The Pembroke Park community remains in mourning, grappling with the loss of Cruz, a devoted mother, and her three young sons, whose lives were cut short in an instant. Xion, remembered by his grandmother Rita Hanson as a protective and heroic boy, had recently given her a medal from a football game, a cherished memento now imbued with profound sorrow. Nova and Emery, the toddlers McKenzie shared with Cruz, were described as joyful and well-cared-for, their innocence a poignant reminder of the tragedy’s toll. Phiinyx, meanwhile, has become a symbol of resilience, with her family and supporters rallying around her recovery. A GoFundMe campaign has been established to assist with her medical expenses and to support the Solomon family as they navigate this unbearable loss.
As investigators continue to piece together the motive behind this horrific act, the focus has shifted to the broader implications of domestic violence and mental health challenges. The City of Pembroke Park has responded by offering grief counseling at the town hall, a small but meaningful step toward healing for a community left reeling. For now, the story of Julie Cruz, her children, and Stephen McKenzie serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the urgent need for compassion, understanding, and intervention in the face of personal crises. Phiinyx’s fight for survival stands as the lone thread of hope, a fragile yet powerful testament to the human spirit’s capacity to endure even the darkest of times.