As a hostage situation neared its 24th hour, police discovered the bodies of four children and the man who held them at gunpoint in an Orlando, Florida apartment.
Police had tried to negotiate the safe release of the children aged 1, 6, 10 and 11 years old since officers arrived at the apartment at 11.45 p.m. Sunday night following domestic violence call, Orlando police chief John Mina said at a Monday press conference.
The girlfriend of Gary Wayne Lindsey Jr., 35, had called officers and as they attempted to locate Lindsey, he shot Officer Kevin Valencia, who remains in a critical condition.
“As you know the Orlando police department and the Orange County Sheriffs department have been working very hard during this long day to bring this situation to a peaceful resolution, unfortunately, it has a very tragic and sad ending,” Orlando Police Chief John Mina told reporters.
“A short time ago we made entry into the apartment and found all four children have been killed by the gunman of apparent gunshot wounds and it appears suspect took his own life as well,” he said.
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Lindsey barricaded himself in the apartment with the four child hostages and police tried to negotiate with him. Two of the children were his, while the other two were his girlfriends from a previous relationship.
The suspect was found dead inside of a closet by police. Mina said Valencia is expected to survive but that he has “very significant injuries,” according to WESH.
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On its Facebook page, the Fraternal Order of Police Orlando Lodge #25 posted a message with Valencia’s picture with the caption, “Pray for Officer Kevin Valencia.”
Speaking about Valencia’s shooting, Mina said, “It’s hard, it’s very traumatic,” and added, “We’re just praying that he’s gonna be okay.”
