In Hilliard, Florida, a domestic violence shooting on July 24 left three women dead and a five-year-old girl as the only survivor. Authorities identified the victims as Marissa Leara Rowell, her sister Alisha Lael Fogarty, and their mother, Sandra Gayle Fogarty. The suspected shooter, Marissa’s husband Christopher Bobby Rowell, was found with a self-inflicted gunshot wound and later died in the hospital. The little girl escaped after being hidden in a bathroom, running to a neighbor for help.

Deputies arrived to find the victims in different rooms of the home and Christopher beside an SKS-style rifle. Family members revealed Marissa had planned to leave him and take the child, and described a history of abuse, including threats, yelling, and neglect. Marissa’s cousin, Steven Hallmark, expressed heartbreak, calling the act selfish and devastating. He also said his family has been denied contact with the child, now in the custody of Christopher’s mother.

A GoFundMe was launched to cover cremation costs for the victims, legal fees, and long-term care for the little girl. Steven spoke about the sacrifices their mother, Sandra, made to help raise the child and the joy Marissa felt in becoming a mom. He urged anyone in abusive situations to seek help before it’s too late, stressing the importance of speaking out.

Neighbors described the tragedy as deeply shocking for the small community. The sheriff’s office continues to investigate as the town mourns the three lives lost and rallies around the young survivor—her life forever changed by a moment of violence that has left a lasting scar on her family and hometown.