Florida Murder-Suicide: Mother Kills 5-Year-Old Child, Teenage Daughter Escapes Attack

A woman in Florida killed her 5-year-old daughter before fatally shooting herself Sunday night.

The Springfield Police Department responded to the scene after authorities received a 911 call, WJHG reported. The officers arrived at N. Everitt Avenue and spoke to a 15-year-old, who told the police she woke up to her mother pointing a gun at her in their home. She somehow managed to escape the house and ran out to seek a neighbor's help.

While the girl was heading to a neighbor's home, she reportedly heard gunshots. The police made several attempts to contact the mother, but received no response. They then forced their way into the home and found the woman dead from a single gunshot wound on the living room floor. Officers said the gun was still in the woman's hand. The body of a 5-year-old girl was also found inside the house.

The Bay County Sheriff’s Office and the Parker Police Department launched an investigation into the murder-suicide incident.

“There’s no sign of any substance abuse in the home. There’s no physical allegations of physical abuse at this time. The investigation is still ongoing. We’re still trying to figure out what the background of the family dynamics are. It appears that mom might have had some problems. Nothing was ever reported to us. I don’t know if it was reported to anyone else, but from what we have found out so far there was no ongoing intervention at this time," Springfield Police Chief Barry Roberts said, according to My Pan Handle.

Authorities have not identified the victims of the attack. Meanwhile, the school where the 15-year-old girl studied released a statement.

“We are aware of the tragic situation involving the shooting in Springfield and our thoughts and prayers are with the family members of those involved. Our trauma team has been working throughout the day today with those impacted and we will continue to do all we can to support our student, her family members and friends. I am so proud of the myriad of ways in which our educators support our students, in good times and tragic times, and I know that we will circle the wagons once more and lift this young lady up in every way possible. ... No child should have to suffer an immense trauma like this and we will do all we can to support her," Bay District Schools Superintendent Bill Husfelt said in the statement.