Two children in Bradford County, Florida, were left parentless after authorities say their estranged father asked if they wanted to “go to heaven with him” before shooting their mother and then himself on Jan. 29. Deputies responding to a 911 hang-up found Loyd Alan Kerr, 50, dead at the front entry and Rachael Renee Kerr, 43, unresponsive in the yard; she was later pronounced dead. The children, ages 9 and 11, were unharmed physically and are in the care of the Florida Department of Children and Families while relatives and investigators work to provide support.
Two Children Orphaned After Father Allegedly Asked If They Wanted To “Go To Heaven” Before Killing Mother And Himself
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Two children in Bradford County, Florida, have been left without parents after authorities say their estranged father asked if they wanted to “go to heaven with him” before fatally shooting their mother and then turning the gun on himself.
What Happened
Deputies responded to a 911 hang-up call at about 5:15 a.m. on Jan. 29 and discovered a fatal double shooting at a residence in Bradford County. According to law enforcement, 50-year-old Loyd Alan Kerr was found dead near the home's front entryway with an apparent gunshot wound to the head. His estranged wife, 43-year-old Rachael Renee Kerr, was found unresponsive in the yard with an apparent gunshot wound to the neck; emergency personnel attempted life-saving measures but later pronounced her dead.
Children, Restraining Order And Domestic Violence History
Bradford County Sheriff Gordon Smith said in a Facebook post that the couple’s two children, ages 9 and 11, were not physically harmed. The children ran to a neighbor’s home after the shooting and were later placed in the care of the Florida Department of Children and Families while officials work to place them with relatives.
Investigators say the incident is tied to an ongoing domestic violence situation. Rachael had obtained a restraining order against Loyd, and authorities had responded to the residence multiple times. Reports indicate Loyd faced several pending domestic violence cases and had recently been released from jail on a domestic violence charge.
Sequence Reported By Authorities
According to sheriff's officials, Rachael woke believing someone had broken into the home and called 911 before the call disconnected. Authorities say Loyd entered the house, moved the children toward a vehicle outside and tried to force Rachael into the vehicle; she escaped with injuries. Deputies say Loyd then took the children outside, asked if they wanted to “go to heaven with dad,” and afterward fatally shot himself. The children fled to a neighbor’s home.
Bradford County Chief Deputy Brad Smith told local media that Loyd also pointed a gun at the children and that they "begged him not to do it." A landlord who lives on the property reportedly approached after hearing arguing and encountered Loyd waving a gun, then retreated to safety.
“[Rachael] can rest easy. Finally take a rest. Don’t worry about your kids. We got them now.”
Aftermath And Support
A GoFundMe page set up for the siblings has raised more than $14,000 to help with immediate needs. The fundraiser states the children are now in their uncle’s care and that donations will be used for living expenses, clothing and school supplies, counseling, legal and guardianship costs, and to help provide a stable home while they recover.
Investigators continue to review the case to determine the full sequence of events and to complete any ongoing legal processes related to the domestic violence allegations. Authorities have not released additional investigative findings at this time.
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