In a devastating tragedy that has left a South Florida community reeling, a mass shooting at an apartment complex in Pembroke Park claimed the lives of a mother and three of her children on the evening of March 26, 2025. The suspect, identified as 34-year-old Stephen McKenzie, is the father of two of the youngest victims, authorities confirmed. The horrific event unfolded around 7:30 p.m. at a residential building in the 3100 block of Hallandale Beach Boulevard, prompting a swift response from Pembroke Park Police and Broward Sheriff’s Office deputies after reports of gunfire shattered the evening calm.
Inside the apartment, officers discovered a grim scene: Julie Cruz, a 32-year-old mother, and three of her children—11-year-old Xion Solomon, 2-year-old Nova McKenzie, and 2-year-old Emery McKenzie—had been fatally shot. Nova and Emery, twin toddlers, were McKenzie’s biological children, a detail that has deepened the shock and sorrow surrounding the incident. Amid the chaos, first responders also found 8-year-old Phiinyx Solomon, another of Cruz’s children, clinging to life with gunshot wounds. She was rushed to Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital in Hollywood, where she remains in serious condition, fighting to recover from her injuries. McKenzie himself was found at the scene with a self-inflicted gunshot wound, an apparent failed attempt to take his own life. He was transported to HCA Florida Aventura Hospital in critical condition and is now under police custody as he receives medical treatment.
The Broward Sheriff’s Office held a press briefing late Wednesday night, where spokesperson Claudinne Caro provided an initial account of the investigation. She confirmed McKenzie as the primary suspect, stating that officers arrived to find the adult male injured alongside the victims. The investigation has since been handed over to the BSO Homicide Unit, which is working tirelessly to piece together the events leading up to the shooting. While authorities have not yet disclosed a motive, the incident appears to stem from a deeply personal and violent domestic dispute, leaving investigators and residents alike grappling with unanswered questions.
The emotional toll of the tragedy was palpable at the scene as the children’s grandmother arrived shortly after being notified of the loss. Overcome with grief, she collapsed in anguish, crying out, “That’s my daughter! That’s my daughter!” as neighbors and onlookers tried to offer comfort in the face of unimaginable pain. Her cries echoed through the apartment complex, a haunting reminder of the human cost of such violence. The tight-knit Pembroke Park community, known for its quiet streets and family-oriented atmosphere, has been shaken to its core. One neighbor, who asked to remain anonymous, expressed disbelief at the brutality of the act. “I just don’t understand what could lead someone to do something so terrible,” they said, their voice trembling with a mix of sorrow and confusion.
As McKenzie remains hospitalized under police supervision, authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward. Broward Crime Stoppers has established a tip line at 954-493-TIPS, hoping to gather additional details that could shed light on the circumstances of the shooting. The investigation is ongoing, with detectives combing through evidence and interviewing witnesses to build a clearer picture of what transpired. Meanwhile, the community mourns the loss of Julie Cruz and her children, whose lives were cut short in an act of violence that has left an indelible mark on Pembroke Park. For now, the focus remains on supporting the surviving victim, Phiinyx, and seeking justice for a family torn apart by tragedy.