A Plantation man who killed his wife and infant child before attempting to take his own life, police said, served in the military and had recently sought help to deal with his mental health.
Jean Carlos Aponte, 40, was taken to the hospital in critical condition from an apparent self-induced drug overdose. On Tuesday, his wife, Sarah Ashley Gama, 38, and their 2-year-old son, Ethan, were found dead inside their home.
Chris Haley, an Army veteran and Purple Heart recipient, told NBC6 on Wednesday that Aponte reached out to the Catch-A-Lift Foundation, an organization that provides mental health support to veterans through workouts. Ta. Haley accepted Aponte into the program.
“It’s unfortunate because that’s the whole reason our organization exists,” Haley said. “This is kind of to stop things from happening. So when it actually happens, it’s pretty shocking because that’s what we’re trying to avoid.”
Haley said Aponte suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder and a traumatic brain injury.
“He had a very strong desire to make things right because he had a wife and a child on the way,” he said. “One thing I remember clearly is that he wanted to do things right and be a positive example for his family.”
Police have not said how or why Aponte allegedly killed his wife and child.
“He was in pain. I didn’t know if it was severe or not, but he was in pain and I think he wanted to get better,” Haley said. “I think he didn’t want to be miserable and I think he also realized that sometimes he had to do something for himself.”
The investigation remains active and no charges have been filed. Police spent Wednesday in the canal searching for what neighbors believed to be a cellphone.
If you or someone you know is in crisis, contact the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988 or chat with us on Live Chat. 988lifeline.org.You can also visit SpeakerOfSuicide.com/Resources for additional support.
