Girl, 2, Survived Shooting That Killed Grandma and Siblings, Including Infant — and Now Police Identify Killer

Authorities in Florida have confirmed the identity of the individual responsible for the tragic shooting of three generations from the same family, an incident that shocked the Plant City community. Valerie DeBoe, aged 55, along with her two granddaughters—four-year-old Belle Dempsey and four-month-old Kelsey Dempsey—were found deceased on 3 May. The police reported that the victims were discovered at two separate locations in the area.

In a heartbreaking twist, a two-year-old child, sibling to the deceased girls and DeBoe’s grandchild, was also targeted during the attack. Fortunately, the child was unharmed after the assailant missed in the attempt to shoot. The children’s mother, Hailey Megan Dempsey, aged 28, was initially found alive but later succumbed to her injuries at a local hospital.

The investigation into the killings has revealed that Hailey was the perpetrator, having taken her own life following the tragic events. Officers detailed that in the early hours of 3 May, Hailey first shot her mother, DeBoe, at their home. Afterward, she left the premises with her three children and reportedly concealed them behind a patch of bushes at a different location. Tragically, it was there that she fatally shot Belle and Kelsey before ultimately turning the weapon on herself.

This shocking incident has raised questions about the circumstances leading up to the murders. According to a neighbour, John Czarniak, disturbances were noted around the DeBoe residence shortly before the shootings. He recalled a tense episode that resulted in a 911 call just two days prior to the tragedy, mentioning having seen a man wearing a bulletproof vest and packing a large duffel bag into a car. The identity of this individual and whether he is connected to the investigation remains unclear at this time.

The police department’s statement did not disclose the names of the victims initially. However, they were later identified through a GoFundMe campaign and contributions to the Gun Violence Memorial. Following the news of the tragedy, the fundraiser shared heartfelt sentiments about DeBoe, describing her as “Gigi” to her beloved grandchildren. The memorial further referred to her as a devoted mother, grandmother, and a cherished friend to many.

As investigators made strides in piecing together the unfortunate events, the emotional toll on the surrounding community has become apparent. Local residents have expressed their shock and grief, seeking ways to support the surviving family members left to grapple with the aftermath of this unbearable loss.

The Plant City Police Department has continued to encourage anyone with information regarding this case or possible disturbances leading up to the event to come forward. The attention on such domestic situations has highlighted an urgent need for community awareness and intervention, aiming to prevent future tragedies of this kind.

Meanwhile, support continues to pour in for the family members affected by the crime, with many in the community offering condolences and assistance through various means. The response underscores the importance of unity and compassion in the wake of such senseless violence, as the community strives to heal from this heart-wrenching incident.