Man killed 2-year-old, child’s mother before attempting suicide, cops say. He’s jailed
A man killed his 2-year-old son and the child’s mother before attempting to kill himself in Broward, police said. He survived — and is now facing murder charges.
Jean Carlos Aponte, 40, is being held at the Broward Main Jail without bond on two first-degree murder charges, jail records show. He was arrested Saturday, days after he was found unconscious — but alive — in a Plantation home.
Police responded to 1083 NW 97th Ave. last week to investigate the possible attempted murder-suicide. When they arrived, they found Sara Ashley Gama, 38, and Ethan Aponte, 2.
The mother and son were already dead. Neighbors told NBC 6 that the couple’s other child — a newborn baby — was unharmed and is now in the care of family members.
The toddler’s father was transported to an area hospital in critical condition due to a possible drug overdose, police said. According to NBC 6, Aponte was receiving mental health support through a nonprofit aimed at helping veterans.
Aponte appeared in bond court Sunday and was granted a mental health screening.
Anyone with information about the incident should contact Plantation police at 954-797-2100 or Broward Crime Stoppers at 954-493-8477.
