Tragic Murder-Suicide in Hialeah: Couple Found Dead, Child Left Alone

HIALEAH, FL – In a tragic incident that has shaken the Hialeah community, police have identified the two individuals found dead in an apparent murder-suicide inside a residence. The victims were 28-year-old Clifford Renard Murray III and 27-year-old Rosemary Gutierrez. Authorities say Clifford shot Rosemary before turning the gun on himself, leaving their 3-year-old son alone and unharmed in the apartment for days.

The couple’s bodies were discovered after police responded to a wellness check at their home at 605 West 68th Street. Rosemary’s sister had called 911 after not hearing from her for a few days. When officers arrived, they forced entry into the apartment upon hearing the young boy inside but receiving no answer at the door. Inside, they found the lifeless bodies of Clifford and Rosemary. The child was visibly scared but physically unharmed, having been left alone in the apartment with the deceased couple.

Lieutenant Eddie Rodriguez of the Hialeah Police Department described the scene, stating, “When officers arrived, we had to force our way into the apartment and once inside, we discovered a deceased male and female. Fortunately, this 3-year-old child was not injured.” The child was immediately evaluated on the scene and then transported to a local hospital for a routine check-up, where his vital signs were reported as stable.

Neighbors reported hearing gunshots late Friday night going into Saturday morning, though police have not yet confirmed the exact timing of the deaths. One neighbor expressed her sadness, noting the child’s distressing experience. “What made me sad was that there was a child. He was dehydrated and doing his needs there with the bodies that were decomposing,” she said.

The property manager described the family as great tenants with no history of disputes or police involvement. Surveillance footage obtained by 7News from a neighbor’s camera showed the family moving in and out of the apartment on the last day they were seen alive, appearing as a normal day with no visible signs of distress.

Following the incident, the Department of Children and Families took custody of the 3-year-old boy. Authorities are now working to determine who will be granted custody or become the child’s guardian as the investigation into this heartbreaking event continues.

This tragic murder-suicide has left the community grappling with questions and sorrow, highlighting the unseen struggles that can lie behind closed doors. As the investigation unfolds, many are left wondering what could have led to such a devastating outcome.