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Family’s trip to Disney World turns deadly after dad guns down wife, kids

A man has shot his wife and two children in a suspected murder-suicide, police say.

US border protection agent Ezequiel Almodovar, 39, killed Marielis Soto, 38, Ezequiel Almodovar, 16, and 12-year-old Gabriel Almodovar, at a home in Orange County, Florida.

It’s not known exactly when the tragedy occurred.

Orange County Sheriff John Mina told reporters on Thursday concerned police went to the family’s home after Mr Almodovar’s coworkers reported that he hadn’t been seen since last week.

“Inside we found four deceased people - all had been shot,” he said.

Ezequiel Almodovar, 39, Marielis Soto, 38, Ezequiel Almodovar, 16, and 12-year-old Gabriel Almodovar are all pictured in a swimming pool.
The Almodovar family on a past family holiday. Source: Facebook

Mr Mina said police determined in “preliminary investigations” the dad shot the two boys and the woman before taking his own life.

Police later confirmed their identities.

The 39-year-old had posted a number of messages to Facebook in the lead up to the family’s deaths.

He had recently taken the group to Disney World.

Ezequiel Almodovar, 39, with his wife Marielis Soto, 38.
Almodovar had posted his enjoyment about spending time away with his family. Source: Facebook

“Family time. We needed this. No school, no work, no adult bull**** just family time and enjoying life through the eyes of kids. Love you baby,” Almodovar wrote on Facebook just before they went missing.

Neighbour Michelle McCracken told Click Orlando.com “there were no indications” Almodovar was plotting to kill his family.

“It’s just sad and heartbreaking that I don’t think I could have done anything,” Ms McCracken said.

Classmates of the two boys laid flowers outside the Almodovar’s home on Friday, held hands and prayed.

A crime scene set up outside a home in Florida.
The scene outside the home in Florida. The four were found dead inside. Source: WFTV

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