Stephen McKenzie Murdered Estranged Girlfriend and Three Children in Florida, Leaving One Daughter as Sole Survivor

 

Stephen McKenzie Murdered His Estranged Girlfriend and Three of Their Children Before Killing Himself in Florida

On March 26, 2025, Stephen McKenzie, 34, opened fire inside his family's apartment in Pembroke Park, Florida, killing his estranged girlfriend and three children.

A fourth child survived.

The victims were:

• Julie Cruz, 32, McKenzie's estranged girlfriend

• Nova McKenzie, 2, their daughter

• Emery McKenzie, 2, their son and Nova's twin

• Xion Solomon, 11, Julie's oldest son

Phinyx Solomon, 8, Julie's daughter, was also shot but survived.

According to investigators, the shooting happened around 7:30 p.m. at the Sundrift apartment complex.

Julie had reportedly been planning to separate from McKenzie and move out of their shared home.

Instead, he opened fire on the family.

Xion, just 11 years old, reportedly died trying to protect his younger siblings.

After the shooting, McKenzie turned the gun on himself.

He initially survived and was transported to HCA Florida Aventura Hospital in critical condition.

He died the following day, March 27, before criminal charges could be filed.

Phinyx survived her injuries but required hospitalization and faced a long road of physical and emotional recovery.

Julie was 32. Xion was eleven. Nova and Emery were two fucking years old.

Two toddlers who should have been learning new words and discovering the world. An 11-year-old boy who reportedly tried to save his siblings. A mother who was preparing to leave a relationship.

And an eight-year-old girl who survived something no child should ever have to witness.

Julie was trying to move on with her life. Her children deserved to grow up alongside her.

Instead, four people were murdered, and one little girl was left to carry the consequences of a man's violence.