Couple’s death ruled a murder-suicide, Osceola County sheriff says

Roberto Rodriguez and Shantel Rodriguez were found dead Wednesday

OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. – The case of a man and woman were found dead inside of a Kissimmee home has been ruled a murder-suicide, according to the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office.

The man and woman, identified as Roberto Rodriguez, 25, and Shantel Rodriguez, 23, were found dead inside a home on Heatherlake Terrace Wednesday afternoon.

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An autopsy completed by the medical examiner’s office found Shantel Rodriguez has been killed by stabbing, while Roberto Rodriguez committed suicide.

The sheriff’s office described them as husband and wife, and Sheriff Marcos Lopez said it is believed they were possibly separated.

Lopez said the man had been staying in the home where the bodies were found for a few days prior to their deaths.

“Today, when the mother of the victim went to the school to pick up one of the children, when they returned she found both of the victims deceased,” Lopez said.

Video of the law enforcement response showed a large contingent of Osceola County deputies and Florida Highway Patrol troopers in a cul-de-sac along Heatherlake Terrace.

Ivonne Gonzalez lives in the cul-de-sac and saw the deputies conduct their investigation in the neighborhood.

“I have never seen so many officers or cars or something like this (to) happen in this area here, I (have) been here 26 years,” Gonzalez said.

Lopez said troopers were on the scene because one of the victim’s relatives works for FHP.

If you or someone you know is in need of help to escape a domestic violence situation, you can call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233.

If you are someone you know is in crisis, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.


About the Authors
Penny De La Cruz headshot

Penny De La Cruz started working at WKMG-TV in September 2021. Before joining News 6, Penny worked at KSAT 12 in San Antonio, Texas.

Thomas Mates headshot

Thomas Mates is a Streaming Executive Producer for News 6 and ClickOrlando.com. He also produces the podcast Florida Foodie. Thomas is originally from Northeastern Pennsylvania and worked in Portland, Oregon before moving to Central Florida in August 2018. He graduated from Temple University with a degree in Journalism in 2010.

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