A Florida dad found unconscious by police responding to a welfare check has been accused of murdering his wife and their toddler son, before trying to kill himself.
Jean Carlos Aponte, 40, has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder in connection with the fatal stabbings of Sara Ashley Gama, 38, and their 2-year-old boy, Ethan, at their Plantation, Florida, home Tuesday, according to police, CBS News, WSVN-TV, and WTVJ-TV reported.
The couple's 3-month-old baby was unharmed.
Aponte was arrested Saturday following his release from the hospital where he was being treated for an apparent drug overdose, police said, WPLG-TV reported.
He appeared in court over the weekend, where a judge denied him bond and ordered him to a mental health screening, according to the outlet.
It's unclear if Aponte entered a plea to the charges or retained an attorney to comment on his behalf.
Prior to the alleged killings, the father of two reportedly connected with the Catch a Lift Fund – a support group for veterans struggling with mental health issues.
"He had a very strong desire to make things right because he had a wife and a kid on the way," Chris Haley with the nonprofit, said, according to WTVJ. "That was one of the things I remember very clearly, is he wanted to do things right and be a positive example for his family."
"He was struggling. I couldn't tell if it was severe, but it's a struggle and I think he wanted to get better," Haley added. "I don't think he wanted to be miserable and I think he realized you got to do something for yourself sometimes."
Sara was described as a "devoted mother who poured her heart into caring for her precious children who brought endless joy and laughter into their lives," while Ethan "was a cherished child whose presence brought warmth and joy to all those around him," according to a GoFundMe organized to help defray funeral costs.
A motive in the killings remains under investigation.
