INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — A few more details were released in a Sunday home invasion in the Highlands that left two women dead, including one who was pregnant. Deputies said the women – whose names weren’t publicly released by the sheriff’s office – lived at the residence.
The 19-year-old pregnant woman, along with a 68-year-old woman, were shot to death, said Lt. Kevin Jaworski, a spokesperson for the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office. A motive for the slaying – or description of any possible suspect – was not immediately released.
The pregnant woman’s unborn baby also died, Indian River County Sheriff Eric Flowers said in a Tuesday update. The sheriff said the shooting was an isolated incident and there was no threat to the public.
Flowers said another person in the home was injured, but did not go into detail.
“This is a heinous case. It’s a terrible situation. We’re going to find justice for this family and make sure the bad guys go to jail for a long time.” Flowers said in a social media post. “We want to give you as many details as we can without compromising the investigation. Our team has been working this case completely all weekend. We ask for your patience and understanding. We’ll get you the details as soon as we can.”
Deputies received a 911 call about 3:47 a.m. Sunday from the home in the 600 block of 23rd Place Southwest, less than half-a-mile from the Vero Beach Highlands Clubhouse. A heavily redacted sheriff’s incident report showed deputies responded to reports of “multiple subjects being shot and stabbed.”
The incident report showed the suspect, once arrested, will face three counts first-degree murder and one count of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon.
Flowers said deputies had previously responded to the residence numerous times this year. Detectives continued to speak with witnesses and combed the area for evidence and surveillance footage.
Sheriff’s Det. Kerrie Crawford is leading the investigation. Those with information on the double homicide should call the sheriff’s non-emergency line at 772-569-6700 and ask for Crawford. Callers can also remain anonymous and possibly be eligible for a monetary reward by contacting Treasure Coast Crime Stoppers at 1-800-273-TIPS or tcwatch.org.
