Florida Mother Discovers Children and Ex-Partner Deceased in Suspected Murder-Suicide

A mother in Cocoa, Florida, discovered her two young children and their father deceased in a suspected murder-suicide during a custody handover on Wednesday. Olivia Piccolo went to pick up her children, seven-year-old Remy and five-year-old Aria, at the residence of their father, Joseph Dingwall, 37, when she could not reach him.

Authorities stated that upon arriving at the home, Piccolo found the front door ajar and discovered both children shot dead. Dingwall was also found deceased at the scene.

In the aftermath, Piccolo expressed her grief and anger on social media, posting, "I'm still in shock. You were supposed to be their protector. Their provider. One of their safe places. I'm so angry." She added, "But my anger will never ever outweigh my love for my children." She vowed that Remy and Aria "deserved so much more" and that they would be remembered for who they were.

Friends have described Remy and Aria as "two very precious and deeply loved children." Remy, who was nearing his eighth birthday, was remembered as a "fierce protector of his little sister and his mother."

Police reported being called to the residence 11 times since 2021 for various reasons, including medical and suspicious activity calls. Detailed information about these previous calls was not immediately available.

A neighbor reported hearing what sounded like two gunshots around 12:20 a.m. on Wednesday, though it is unclear if these sounds originated from the home involved in the incident. Cocoa Police Department Chief Evander Collier IV confirmed no 911 calls were received around that specific time.

Security camera footage from a neighbor reportedly captured Dingwall outside the home around the time the shots may have been fired, according to police.

An investigation into the incident is ongoing. Fundraising efforts have been launched to assist Piccolo with funeral costs for her children.