NEW PORT RICHEY, Fla. — One woman died after she was shot at in her New Port Richey home during a break-in, Pasco County's Sheriff's Office (PSO) said.
Deputies searched all over the neighborhood on Menifee Court, and a K9 tried to track a killer, leaving those living here scared.
“The doors locked. Everything locked. Just keeping very high alert. Leaving my dog loose in my apartment for sure,” said neighbor Zyta Fonseca.
During a press conference, PSO stated that a woman was sleeping on the couch in her living room when someone started knocking on the front door around 12:40 a.m. on Tuesday.
When the woman woke up, she discovered that the door had been kicked in and a man was inside her home.
The suspect then pointed a gun at her and continued to move to the bedroom, where a second woman, the victim, was sleeping in her bed with two kids.
The victim sat up in the bed when the suspect turned on the light and said, "don't shoot me," before the suspect fired one round at her. After she fell off the bed due to the first round, he fired a second one that struck her.
Police were called, and the suspect fled, presumably in a vehicle.
The victim was taken to a hospital, where she passed away from her injuries.
“It makes me wonder could that happen to me? Could that happen to anybody in my apartment complex? You know? It’s very scary,” said Fonseca.
Deputies talked to neighbors looking for surveillance video.
The murder brings back terrible memories for Juanita Soto.
Her sister was killed in a domestic violence incident three years ago.
“I’m really depressed. It just takes me back to what I went through with my sister. It’s really sad what’s going on,” said Soto.
The sheriff’s office said this does not appear to be a random killing.
PSO stated that it appears the suspect knew the victim because not only was he familiar with the layout of the house, but the shooting appeared to target the victim directly.
They also said that mental health services will be provided to the first woman, as well as the two children, both under 12 years old, who were in bed with the victim.
PSO described the suspect as having a large build, around 5 foot ten inches tall and wearing a black skull mask.
Anyone with information should submit tips to the PSO Crime Tips Line at 1-800-706-2488 or report tips online at PascoSheriff.com/tips.
