BSO: Man killed wife, son, tried killing older son

Suspect Pedro Maldonado found dead in Lake City hotel

WESTON, Fla. – A man killed his wife and teenage son, drove to Tallahassee to try to kill his older son, then committed suicide in a motel room bathroom, according to the Broward Sheriff's Office.

Investigators believe 53-year-old Pedro Maldonado Sr. shot and killed his wife, 47-year-old Monica Narvaez-Maldonado, and son, 17-year-old Pedro Maldonado Jr., with a crossbow sometime Monday.

Maldonado Sr. then drove to Tallahassee, where his older son, José Maldonado, attends Florida State University. Deputies say Tuesday morning, Maldonado Sr. attacked his 21-year-old son, grazing his ear with the crossbow, then choking him.

José Maldonado (pictured above) fought his father off, who then ran away. His son didn't report the attack.

In the afternoon, Maldonado Sr. called a friend and admitted to killing his wife and son. His friend then called the Broward Sheriff's Office, who began searching for Maldonado Sr., his wife, and his younger son.

Deputies found their bodies inside their townhome on Tuesday evening.

Lake City police and Columbia County Sheriff's Office deputies then found Maldonado Sr.'s car at the Cabot Lodge early Wednesday. When they entered his room about 2 a.m., they found he had died from a self-inflicted knife wound.

"It's terrible, it's distressing," said Marie Sabourin, a neighbor. "I don't know what to say to my kids."

Sabourin described Maldonado Sr., who has no criminal record, as distant.

"I remember him so clearly," she said. "He never actually say hi. That was a weird thing."

No prior domestic violence calls have been reported at the home, according to BSO.

"Pedro never complained about anything at home. Nothing like that," said his friend, Adam Khan.

Students at Cypress Bay High School, where Maldonado Jr. (pictured) attended, expressed their shock upon hearing the news.

"It's still hard to believe he's gone," said Khan.

"It's more shocking than anything. It still doesn't feel real," added Erick Lynch.

"I can't believe it," said Dillon Perez. "One of the nicest guys I ever met."

Maldonado Jr. was a marching band captain and part of a percussion ensemble.

"He was a really good guy," said Davie Edelson. "He helped with everything. He helped the whole percussion get together for marching band."

"I know that the people around him adored him," added Perez. "You walk in the band room and he would always be there and people would be surrounding him. He was an awesome guy, and it's really shocking."

"I used to hear him, the son, playing the drums every day and I loved it," said Sabourin. "Sometimes, I would stay in my car just to hear him play the drums."