The Broward Sheriff's Office (BSO) has placed seven of its own on administrative leave. NBC Miami reports that the move comes after an internal affairs investigation into the response to the early Sunday killings, which took the lives of Mary Gingles, her father David Ponzer, and neighbor Andrew Ferrin. NBC Miami's article states that those placed on leave include two sergeants, a lieutenant, and four deputies, as Sheriff Gregory Tony acknowledged shortcomings in patrol documentation and detective investigative practices dating back to December.
Details emerge that Nathan Gingles, estranged husband of Mary Gingles, is the man behind the brutal shootings occurring around 6 a.m. on North Plum Bay Parkway; he also kidnapped their 4-year-old daughter and, later that morning was found with her at a North Lauderdale Walmart, before she was found safe and he was arrested, as per NBC Miami's article. He faces multiple charges including first-degree murder and kidnapping while each crime scene depicted a grim picture with a father-in-law having a casual cup of coffee before meeting his end and a neighbor slain while being sought for sanctuary by a desperate Mary Gingles, amidst a bitter divorce filled with threats.
In parallel to the law enforcement review, CBS Miami has shared that an Amber Alert about the situation was delayed due to the initial focus on the murder of Ponzer, as at the time they were unaware of the second shooting; this detail was part of a CBS Miami report. The alert described the missing child, Seraphina, and her father, Nathan Gingles, last seen fleeing in a silver BMW, was activated around 10 a.m., with deputies finally apprehending Nathan Gingles after 11 a.m. near a Walmart Supercenter.
Friends of Mary Gingles have expressed their grief and bemoaned the signs of danger previously signaled by her through restraining orders and a cry for psychological help for Nathan Gingles, shared in the CBS Miami report. In the wake of this family tragedy and systemic reflection, Nathan Gingles has been ordered a mental health screening by the judge.
