Palm Coast murder-suicide on Bronson Lane kills two; suspect had Baker Act history
A Palm Coast man shot and killed Andrew Yoder before turning the gun on himself as deputies arrived at a Bronson Lane home early Tuesday. Jerome Curry, 34, had been placed under the Baker Act just 12 days earlier.
Palm Coast man kills victim, then himself as Flagler deputies arrive
A 34-year-old Palm Coast man shot and killed another man inside a Bronson Lane home shortly after 2 a.m. on Tuesday before taking his own life as Flagler County Sheriff's Office deputies approached, news4jax.com reports.
Jerome Curry entered the home armed, prompting a woman inside to call 911. She and a child escaped to a neighbouring residence while Curry remained in the property. When deputies arrived and Curry stepped outside, he shot himself within seconds of their approach.
Deputies found Andrew Yoder dead inside, having been shot multiple times. Curry was transported to a local hospital, where he later died from his self-inflicted gunshot wound, the Flagler County Sheriff's Office confirmed.
A warning call that came up empty
Earlier that same night, at approximately 11:43 p.m., deputies had responded to the same address on a trespassing complaint. Curry had entered the home uninvited but left in a vehicle before officers arrived. Deputies searched the surrounding area and Curry's apartment but were unable to locate him. He returned later, broke in, and opened fire.
Just 12 days before the shooting — on 13 August — Curry had been taken into protective custody under the Baker Act after making statements about harming himself following a relationship breakdown that had occurred in April. He was transported to a mental health facility for evaluation at that time.
Since 2023, deputies had had multiple encounters with Curry, most involving civil and verbal disputes that did not lead to criminal charges. The sheriff's office noted he had no prior criminal history.
Sheriff: domestic violence risk persists long after a split
Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly said the incident underscores dangers that can linger well beyond the end of a relationship.
"Our prayers go out to the families affected by this shooting, which resulted in the senseless death of two people. This is a horrific and tragic incident for everyone involved. Being angry or in a mental health crisis does not give anyone the right to take someone else's life," Staly said.
Staly had spoken publicly about domestic violence only days earlier, following a separate series of violent incidents in the county. "It's well known that high risk for violence persists long after the initial relationship split. There is an elevated risk for increased violence up to two years following the break-up," he added.
The sheriff also called on anyone facing mental health difficulties or a domestic violence situation to seek help before circumstances escalate.
"Asking for help is not weakness. If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health or in a domestic violence situation, there are resources available, and I encourage you to use those resources," he said.
Flagler County residents experiencing domestic violence can contact the Family Life Center's confidential 24-hour helpline at 386-437-3505. The centre provides emergency shelter, advocacy and assistance filing an injunction for protection at no cost.
Source: Google News MT — Crime (en)