Mom Discovers Ex, Two Children Dead in Suspected Florida Murder-Suicide
Authorities believe the father is responsible for the deaths of his children before taking his own life.
A Florida mother discovered her two young children and their father dead in a suspected murder-suicide on Wednesday afternoon in Cocoa. Olivia Piccolo, 29, arrived at the home of her ex-partner, Joseph Dingwall, for a scheduled custody exchange when she found the scene.
According to police, Piccolo entered the home after finding the door partially ajar and discovered all three individuals deceased. Authorities stated that the 37-year-old Dingwall is believed to be responsible for the deaths of his children, a 5-year-old daughter and a 7-year-old son, before taking his own life.
Police had been called to Dingwall's residence 11 times previously for various medical and suspicious activity incidents, officials said.
A neighbor reported hearing two gunshots around midnight, approximately 12 hours before the discovery of the bodies. The neighbor, Marcos Garcia, informed WESH 2 News that he saw Dingwall pacing outside his home with a flashlight shortly after hearing the shots but did not contact the authorities.
A GoFundMe page established to assist Piccolo with funeral expenses and other support had raised over $15,000 by Friday morning. The fundraising page described the children: Remy as a "strong, kind, and intelligent young boy" who loved video games, music, and his friends, and Aria as a "bright, courageous, and compassionate little girl" who adored animals and the color pink. The page emphasized the deep bond between Piccolo and her children, stating, "They were her entire world. Her life revolved around them, and every part of her heart belonged to being their mother."
Cocoa Mayor Michael C. Blake urged the community to offer prayers and support to Piccolo during this difficult time. The motive behind the incident has not been publicly released.