Grady Judd: Woman, unborn baby killed in ‘violent and horrific double murder’ before suspect shot himself
Old mugshot of Riley Groover courtesy of the Polk County Sheriff's Office.
WINTER HAVEN, Fla. - A pregnant woman and her unborn baby have been killed in an apparent domestic-related double murder-suicide, according to the Polk County Sheriff's Office.
Deputies say that on Friday at 7 p.m., 26-year-old Riley Groover fatally shot the victim, who was eight months pregnant, before fatally shooting himself.
The shooting occurred in front of several witnesses near their home located on Central Avenue West, according to authorities.
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Family members said the couple had arguments in the past, which turned physical.
None of those incidents were reported to the police, according to authorities.
Groover had been arrested in the past for aggravated assault and domestic violence, police say.
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Despite efforts by first responders at the scene and medical staff at the hospital, the unborn baby was unable to be saved.
In a statement released to Fox 13, Sheriff Grady Judd said, "This was a violent and horrific double murder that ended the lives of a 21-year-old woman who was 8 months pregnant, and her unborn baby. When the suspect became enraged, family members and neighbors did everything they could to help her get away from him. Please keep this family in your prayers."