PLANTATION, FL — In a chilling sequence of events unfolding in Plantation, Florida, authorities have released a 911 call linked to an alleged attempted murder-suicide that left a woman and her young son dead, and the woman’s husband charged with murder.
The 38-year-old woman, identified as Sara Ashley Gama, along with her 2-year-old son, Ethan, were discovered dead by Gama’s parents on March 26, 2024. Upon entering their daughter’s home due to not hearing from her, the couple encountered signs of violence and distress. In addition to their deceased daughter and grandson, they found their son-in-law, 41-year-old Jean Carlos Aponte, unresponsive in a bedroom.
During an emotional call to emergency services, Gama’s father described to dispatchers the harrowing scene, expressing the belief that his daughter had been fatally assaulted while also noting the discovery of a knife in the kitchen. He detailed how they initially thought Aponte was also deceased. The frantic search for their young grandson led to the discovery of Ethan’s lifeless body in the pool, intensifying the horror of the situation.
In the midst of chaos, the family’s 4-month-old son was found unharmed, seated in a swinging chair in the living room. The arrest warrant detailed that Gama was located in the kitchen with multiple stab wounds. The autopsy confirmed she had been stabbed 28 times, while Ethan had suffered four stab wounds before drowning.
Tensions between Gama and Aponte surfaced the morning of the crime, seemingly fueled by accusations of infidelity. Recorded interactions from the home captured Gama referencing a potential divorce and making financial threats towards Aponte, reflecting underlying marital discord.
Evidence from prior communications, including text messages exchanged on platforms like Facebook and WhatsApp, revealed Gama’s suspicions about Aponte’s fidelity, pointedly questioning his activities during a recent trip to Colombia. This electronic trail also showcased Gama’s research into divorce proceedings.
Home surveillance footage captured distressing audio from moments leading up to the violence, capturing the sound of screaming and a potential attempt to contact emergency services. Investigators reported that Aponte had attempted to take his own life through an overdose but was intervened with medical treatment, including naloxone.
During his subsequent hospitalization, Aponte, still incoherent, reportedly apologized and seemed to acknowledge involvement in the events. Details disclosed by both families indicated Aponte, an Army veteran with a diagnosis of PTSD following service in Iraq, faced ongoing struggles that included medication use.
Charged with two counts of first-degree murder, Aponte remains in custody without bail, with court proceedings ongoing to assess his competency to stand trial.