Man Shoots 5-Year-Old Son, Himself In Lutz Murder-Suicide: Police

LUTZ, FL — A 5-year-old boy and his father are dead in what police are calling an apparent murder-suicide in Lutz, according to authorities.

Around 7:30 a.m. Saturday, the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office received a 911 call from a mother who said she was unable to contact her son and his father, the agency said in a news release.

Deputies conducted a wellness check at the father's home located in the 17700 block of Cranbrook Drive around 7:55 a.m. and found no immediate signs of concern, authorities said.

“They knocked, announced, didn’t notice any nefarious activities and didn’t see any signs of foul play,” Chief Deputy Joseph Maurer said at a news conference livestreamed by WFLA.

Two hours later, authorities said the mother called 911 again after she gained entry to the home and found both her son and his father dead. Deputies arrived at the home shortly after 10 a.m. and confirmed the deaths.

According to Maurer, the man shot his son before killing himself with the same weapon.

Investigators are working to determine the circumstances leading up to the shooting, authorities said.

"This is an incredibly heartbreaking loss for this family, and our prayers are with them during this unimaginable time," Sheriff Chad Chronister said in a statement. "Tragedies like this have a profound impact on everyone involved, including our deputies who responded to such a devastating scene right after Thanksgiving. We are committed to providing support to both the grieving family and our deputies as they process this difficult situation."

If you or someone you know is considering suicide, help is available 24 hours a day. Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988. Its website also offers services, including a live chat.