A Plantation man accused of killing his wife and infant child after attempting suicide appeared before a judge Sunday on two counts of first-degree premeditated murder, according to court records.
Jean Carlos Aponte, 40, is currently being held without bail on both charges, and a judge allowed him to undergo a mental health evaluation, court video shows.
Aponte was found unconscious and his wife, Sarah Ashley Gama, and their 2-year-old son, Ethan, were found dead inside their Plantation home on Tuesday.
Aponte was taken to a hospital in critical condition after authorities said he attempted to take his own life due to a self-induced drug overdose.
Recently, Aponte, a military veteran, sought help to deal with his mental health.
Neighbors said the couple's newborn baby was safe and was later taken in by a family member.
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.”
A neighbor shared Ring camera video of Aponte walking with his 2-year-old son just the day before.
Police searched the canal behind the family's home Wednesday for what neighbors believed was a cell phone.
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.
