Community organizes vigil for mother, granddad and neighbor killed in Tamarac shootings
Residents of the Tamarac neighborhood where a triple murder took place will hold a candlelight vigil Sunday evening to honor the three who lost their lives in the domestic violence murder spree that has shaken the community.
The vigil will be in Tamarac’s Plum Bay neighborhood by the lake adjacent to the neighborhood mailboxes — between the townhouses and villas. Organizers are asking people to arrive between 6:15 and 6:30 p.m., just as the sun sets.
Early Sunday morning, a U.S. Army vet with a history of domestic violence gunned down his wife, Mary Catherine Gingles, 34; her father, David Ponzer, 64; and neighbor Andrew Ferrin, 36, the Broward Sheriff’s Office said. Mary sought refuge in Ferrin’s home as she tried to escape from Nathan Alan Gingles, 43, her estranged husband and accused killer, BSO said.
A visitation for Ferrin will be from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday at Fred Hunter’s Funeral Home, 6301 Taft St. in Hollywood. His funeral service will be at 10 a.m. Monday at St. Philip Antiochian Orthodox Church, 4870 Griffin Road in Davie.
Gingles is also accused of kidnapping his 4-year-old daughter Seraphine, who witnessed the shootings. He was arrested Sunday at a North Lauderdale Walmart after BSO issued an Amber Alert for the missing child, who was found with her father at the store.
READ MORE: Abducted 4-year-old told investigators how Broward triple murder unfolded, records show
Broward Sheriff Gregory Tony suspended seven deputies who were involved in the investigation or in previous calls to the house over the past year. The deputies will be paid while on leave.
“It is clear... we fell short on this one,” Tony said in a news conference Wednesday announcing the suspensions.
READ MORE: ‘We fell short:’ Seven Broward Sheriff’s deputies suspended after Tamarac triple murder
For the Sunday night vigil, candles will be provided. Attendees are encouraged to walk to the destination; those unable to do so may use guest parking or park along the neighborhood’s main road.
Haylee Shrimpton, the vigil’s organizer, noted in a community Facebook post, “It’s me again with the final details regarding a candlelight vigil for our neighbors that were taken too soon.”
Although she did not know the victims personally, Shrimpton stressed the community feels the weight of the tragedy. She welcomed anyone with photos or memories of the victims to share them at the vigil.
This story was originally published February 20, 2025 at 11:26 AM.