Tragic Shooting in Pembroke Park Leaves Mother and Three Sons Dead; Suspect in Custody
Pembroke Park, FL – March 27, 2025 – A horrific act of violence shattered a South Florida family Wednesday evening when Julie Cruz and her three young sons were shot and killed in their home. The suspected shooter, Stephen McKenzie, was found with a self-inflicted gunshot wound and remains hospitalized. Cruz’s daughter, Phiinyx Solomon, was also shot but survived and is receiving medical treatment.
Incident Details
According to the Broward Sheriff’s Office (BSO) Homicide Unit, the mass shooting unfolded around 7:36 p.m. on March 26, 2025, at 3181 W. Hallandale Beach Blvd in Pembroke Park.
🔹 Broward County Regional Communications received a 911 call reporting gunfire.
🔹 Officers from the Pembroke Park Police Department (PPPD), Broward Sheriff’s Office (BSO), and Hallandale Beach Police Department (HBPD) rushed to the scene.
🔹 Inside the residence, authorities found six people shot.
🔹 Julie Cruz and three of her children were pronounced dead at the scene.
🔹 Stephen McKenzie was discovered with a gunshot wound, believed to be self-inflicted.
🔹 Cruz’s daughter, Phiinyx Solomon, was also critically injured.
Broward Sheriff Fire Rescue transported McKenzie and Phiinyx to local hospitals, where they are receiving treatment. McKenzie remains in police custody, with charges pending.
Victims Identified
Deceased:
💔 Julie Cruz (Mother)
💔 Nova McKenzie (Son)
💔 Emery McKenzie (Son)
💔 Xion Solomon (Son)
Injured:
🔹 Phiinyx Solomon (Daughter, currently hospitalized)
🔹 Stephen McKenzie (Shooter, in custody)
Family Ties & Investigation Findings
Authorities have confirmed that Julie Cruz and Stephen McKenzie shared two sons, Nova and Emery McKenzie, who were both killed in the shooting. Cruz’s other two children, Xion Solomon and Phiinyx Solomon, had a different father.
Ongoing Investigation & Charges Pending
At the request of the Pembroke Park Police Department, the Broward Sheriff’s Office Homicide Unit has taken over the investigation.
🔹 Motive Unclear – Detectives are working to determine what led to the shooting.
🔹 Pending Charges – McKenzie remains in custody at the hospital, with criminal charges expected once he is medically cleared.
🔹 Autopsy Reports – The Broward County Medical Examiner’s Office will conduct autopsies to officially determine the cause and manner of death.
Community Reaction & Support Efforts
The tragedy has devastated the Pembroke Park community, leaving neighbors, family, and friends in shock and mourning. A GoFundMe page has been launched to support funeral expenses and medical costs for Phiinyx’s recovery.
Community leaders are also urging increased awareness of domestic violence and mental health resources, as many fear that this tragedy could have been prevented.
Seeking Justice
With McKenzie in custody, authorities are preparing to pursue legal action. Possible charges could include:
✔ First-degree murder (for the deaths of Julie Cruz and her three sons)
✔ Attempted murder (for the shooting of Phiinyx Solomon)
✔ Felony firearm possession and endangerment
Anyone with information about this ongoing investigation is urged to contact the Broward Sheriff’s Office at (954) 321-4210 or Crime Stoppers at (954) 493-TIPS (8477).
Final Thoughts
This heartbreaking tragedy serves as yet another reminder of the devastating impact of domestic violence. As the community mourns, many hope that Phiinyx Solomon’s survival will bring some measure of hope and justice in the wake of this senseless violence.