Police Say Mother Intentionally Drove Car Into Lake With 2 Kids Inside

LAKELAND, FL — Lakeland police said all evidence suggests that 35-year-old mother, Ortilla Zamora, intentionally drove her car with her two children inside into Lake Wire on Dec. 30.

During the investigation, detectives said they learned from family members that she had been experiencing mental health issues days before killing herself and her two sons, ages 4 and 9.

The mother and two boys are from the Wauchula area. Police say they don't know why they were in Lakeland the morning of Dec. 30.

See related story: Cause Of Death Pending After Mother, 2 Children Found In Car In Lake

An autopsy was conducted by the Polk County Medical Examiner’s Office on Tuesday. Additional testing, including toxicology exams, will continue as part of the ongoing investigation.

Lakeland police were called at 5:26 a.m. on Dec. 30 after a witness saw a car drive into the lake.

The Lakeland Fire Department's dive team was summoned to assist in searching and removing the car, which was submerged on the west side of the lake about 15 feet from the shore.

According to reports, as the fire department's dive team removed the car from the water, they could see that the driver's side front window was rolled down and a woman was inside.

Once the car was onshore, police found the bodies of two children inside the car as well.

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is an important resource for those who are having thoughts of suicide or people concerned for a loved one. The Lifeline provides free, 24/7 confidential support at 1-800-273-8255. Learn more about the risk factors and warning signs of suicide and five action steps you can use to help someone in need.