Chilling Details Emerge in Case of Slain Mother, Abducted Daughter, and Haunting Kitchen Table Discovery

Florida authorities have released harrowing details about the fatal shootings of three individuals, shedding light on the chilling circumstances surrounding the crime.

Tragic Loss: Three Lives Taken in a Violent Attack

On Sunday, February 16, the Broward County Sheriff’s Office discovered the bodies of 34-year-old Mary Gingles, her father, 64-year-old David Ponzer, and their neighbor, 36-year-old Andrew Ferrin. All three were fatally shot in their Tamarac, Florida, homes.

Adding to the horror, Mary’s 4-year-old daughter, Seraphine Gingles, was briefly missing in the aftermath of the attack. Authorities later found her in North Lauderdale alongside her father, Nathan Gingles, 43, who was Mary’s estranged husband. He was arrested in connection with the murders and Seraphine’s abduction.

Chilling Clues Found at the Crime Scene

According to a complaint affidavit obtained by PEOPLE, authorities responding to a 911 call discovered Ponzer dead in his backyard, his shattered coffee mug lying nearby. As they searched the home, they made a disturbing discovery—a domestic violence injunction order placed on the kitchen table. The document explicitly barred Nathan from having contact with Mary or Seraphine.

History of Domestic Abuse and Restraining Orders

Court records indicate that Nathan had been accused of domestic violence against Mary twice in the past year. One of those cases was dismissed, while the other remained open. In January, a judge extended a restraining order against him, but tragically, it did not prevent the horrific events that followed.

Mary’s Desperate Escape Caught on Camera

Security camera footage from neighbors, along with 911 call records, reveal Mary’s final moments as she fought for her life.

According to the affidavit, a neighbor, Adolfo Lang, was awakened around 6 a.m. by loud banging on his front door. Checking his security camera, he saw Mary frantically knocking and pleading for help. Moments later, a man—believed to be Nathan—appeared in the driveway, holding a firearm and a small, shoeless child.

As Mary realized the suspect was approaching, she turned and ran. Surveillance footage captured the chilling moment when Nathan raised his firearm into a “high ready” position before stepping out of the camera’s view.

The Neighbor’s Home Became a Scene of Horror

Authorities later found both Mary and Ferrin dead inside Ferrin’s home. Investigators determined that Mary had run there seeking refuge, making Ferrin an “innocent and unsuspecting” victim of the violent attack.

Multiple Charges Filed Against Nathan Gingles

Initially, Nathan was charged with three counts of first-degree murder, violating a protective order, and interfering with custody. However, on Tuesday, additional charges were filed, including kidnapping, child abuse, child neglect, and burglary.

The investigation continues as authorities work to piece together the full extent of this devastating crime.