A senior married couple were found dead in their home Wednesday evening in an apparent murder-suicide, the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office announced Thursday morning. 85-year-old Julio Alonso is said to have fatally shot his wife, 74-year-old Martha Alonso, and then himself.
The FCSO was contacted Wednesday evening with a request to conduct a welfare check at a house on Pinelynn Lane in Palm Coast’s P Section. The reporting party was unable to reach either one of the couple by text or phone call. Deputies were informed by one of the couple’s neighbors that they’d seen the couple leaving their house to go to the hospital on Tuesday.
A hospice nurse for the couple allowed deputies to enter the home. Upon inspection, they discovered the couple dead in their bedroom. The initial investigation indicated to detectives that Julio shot Martha and then himself. Both bodies were taken to the medical examiner’s office. An investigation is ongoing by the FCSO’s Major Case Unit and Crime Scene Investigation (CSI) unit.
“While we are still in the early stages of this investigation, the evidence located inside the home and witness interviews strongly indicate that this is a tragic murder-suicide,” said Sheriff Rick Staly. “Losing a parent is never easy but losing both parents to what appears to be a murder-suicide is unimaginable. Our condolences and prayers go out to this couple’s family and friends during this extremely difficult time. May God rest their souls.”
The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office included in their announcement a reminder to those experiencing suicidal thoughts to contact one of several resources that are available. The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline can be reached by simply calling 988 or by visiting 988lifeline.org. Locally, Flagler Cares can be reached by calling (386) 319-9483 or by visiting their official website.
Chris Gollon is a Flagler County resident since 2004, as well as a staple of the local independent music scene and avid observer of Central Florida politics, arts, and recreation.
