Dena Vanvoorhis Shot To Death By Family Member In Boca Raton Murder-Suicide
UPDATE
Boca Post has learned the identity of the victim who was shot to death in the home during the murder-suicide last week in Boca Raton.
The victim who was shot to death has been identified as Dena Vanvoorhis, according to a GoFundMe page made by the victim's family.
Dena Vanvoorhis was said to be visiting her mother when she was ambushed in the house on the 5000 block of NW 3rd street in Boca Raton. As previously reported, a family member who was not expected to be there killed her and injured others before killing themselves.
Dena Vanvoorhis is described as being an amazing woman who had many grandchildren. Her life was sadly taken by a senseless act of violence by a family member.
The identity of the suspect has yet to be released by Police since Marsy's Law was invoked to protect the victim.
UPDATE
Boca Raton Police released the following statement:
On Sunday, July 10, 2022, at approximately 3:18 p.m., Boca Raton Police responded to a residence along the 5000 block of NW 3rd Terrace in reference to a shooting. A neighbor reported Victim #1 was outside the residence and injured. Officers arrived on the scene and determined Victim #1 sustained head injuries from being struck with a firearm. Victim #2 also fled from the residence and advised he was shot at by the suspect, who was a family member. While on the scene, it was determined Victim #3 may have been inside the residence with the suspect, but Victims #1 and #2 did not see Victim #3 while inside.
The Boca Raton Police SWAT Team and the Boca Raton Police Crisis Negotiation Team (CNT) responded to the scene. Crisis negotiators were unable to contact the suspect or Victim #3. The SWAT Team made entry by breaching the front door of the residence. Inside, Victim #3 and the suspect were found deceased. The suspect appeared to have died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
A preliminary investigation revealed several family members were traveling down to Florida to vacation at the residence. Days prior to their arrival, the suspect was located inside the residence and did not have permission to be there. It is unknown how long the suspect had been there. After being notified, a family member directed the suspect to leave the residence.
Victim #3 was the first family member to arrive at the residence after the suspect was directed to leave. At some point during her stay, she was killed inside the residence. When Victims #1 and #2 arrived on Sunday, they could not get into the house, so they texted Victim #3. Victim #2 received a text back from Victim #3’s phone stating the side door was unlocked. Victims #1 and #2 entered the home with their luggage and soon after they were attacked by the suspect. During this time, Victim #1 was able to flee the residence and seek help. Victim #2 was also able to flee when the suspect appeared to be distracted by his firearm.
The motive remains under investigation. If you have information, please contact Detective George Reilly at (561) 544-8660.
Please note, that names are being withheld under Marsy’s Law.
Originally reported by Boca Post
BOCA RATON, FL (Boca Post) — Boca Raton Police tell Boca Post that they responded to a murder-suicide on the 5000 block of NW 3rd Avenue in Boca Raton on Sunday.
The Police tell us that two family members are deceased in an apparent murder-suicide. The incident garnished a large police response noticed by many in the area.
Sources close to the investigation tell Boca Post that a woman in her 50s was transported to a local hospital after being struck with a firearm 10 or more times on her face and body. The woman was apparently beaten with the weapon and not shot.
Boca Post maintains a rolling overview of local arrests and law enforcement activity on our police activity page.
