The tragic incident involving a Florida woman’s suicide led to a wellness check on her 5-year-old twins, whose lifeless bodies were discovered at their home in what appears to be a homicide case. Seminole County Sheriff Dennis Lemma revealed this heartbreaking series of events during a press conference. According to detectives, they suspect a “murder-suicide situation” took place.
According to Sheriff Lemma, witnesses observed the mother, Catorreia Hutto, 31, driving to the “crest” of Lake Jessup Bridge in Oviedo at 8:45 a.m. She stopped, got out of the car, and jumped into the water. Her lifeless body was later recovered from the water.
Deputies proceeded to the twins’ residence in Sanford to check on them. While the exact cause of the children’s death remains unknown, authorities consider it a murder-suicide based on their findings.
Lemma explained that there were no apparent signs of trauma or blood, and the twins appeared to be sleeping. The home is approximately 7 miles north of the bridge, which is around 28 miles north of downtown Orlando.
“If they didn’t check the vital signs,” Lemma stated in reference to the deputies who discovered the deceased pair at Hutto’s home, “they wouldn’t have known they were deceased.”
Although deputies found a gun on the ground near the scene with live rounds, there are no indications that the children were shot. According to the sheriff, no empty or fired cartridge cases were found.
A coroner’s official said that an autopsy could provide insight into the cause and manner of the children’s death within the next 48 hours. However, detectives may seal the information if their investigation continues.
Lemma publicly identified the twins, even though authorities were unable to reach their father.
The sheriff revealed that Hutto obtained her home through the nonprofit organization Habitat for Humanity, which helps individuals with limited income acquire housing. NBC affiliate WESH of Daytona Beach reported that Hutto moved into the house a little over a year ago.
According to Lemma, the house was sparsely furnished, and there was a scarcity of food.
Hutto worked for a temporary agency doing clerical jobs and had her last shift a few days prior. “The family may have been experiencing financial difficulties,” Sheriff Lemma added.
Nevertheless, there were no clear outward signs of a rapid downfall, and neither the sheriff’s office nor the Florida Department of Children and Families had any records or reports concerning the family.
“No one had any indication that she was in such desperate circumstances,” Lemma affirmed.
The sheriff mentioned that the twins’ grandmother described Hutto as someone struggling with lifelong depression.
The Florida Department of Children and Families did not immediately respond to requests for comment. UCP (Unlocking Children’s Potential) Charter Schools, the school district the children attended, identified them as kindergartners in a statement to WESH.
“The entire UCP community is deeply saddened by the sudden passing of two of our Seminole County school’s kindergarten students and feel shocked by the circumstances,” said CEO and Superintendent Ilene E. Wilkins in the statement.
Neighbor Latoshia Reynolds expressed her thoughts, wondering if Hutto felt isolated.
“I am absolutely heartbroken,” Reynolds said. “I have empathy. Even without knowing her, the first thing that crosses my mind is that she may not have had anyone to turn to.”
If you or someone you know is in crisis, call 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. You can also call the network, previously known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, at 800-273-8255, text HOME to 741741, or visit SpeakingOfSuicide.com/resources for additional resources.
This article was originally published on NBCNews.com.
