Florida Murder-Suicide at Family Business Shocks Community

A Florida man fatally shot his sister while she was working at their family’s convenience store before taking his own life in an apparent murder-suicide, police said.

The shooting happened February 6, 2026, at the Griffin General Store in Apopka. According to People, authorities identified the siblings as Ezra Swift and Schenita Swift. Investigators say Ezra Swift shot his sister during what police described as a domestic dispute, then turned the gun on himself.

Both were pronounced dead, leaving relatives and the local community stunned.

Police Call Incident an Isolated Domestic Dispute

The Apopka Police Department said officers responded to reports of gunfire at the store and quickly determined there was no ongoing threat to the public.

Authorities described the shooting as an isolated incident stemming from a dispute between the siblings. Investigators have not publicly detailed what led to the confrontation inside the store.

Police said there were no immediate indications of broader danger beyond the tragic encounter between the brother and sister.

A Routine Workday Turns Devastating

Schenita Swift was working her shift at the family-run business when the violence unfolded, according to reporting by People.

Family businesses often serve as gathering places in small communities, and the Griffin General Store was no exception. Customers and neighbors who frequented the store described shock at the sudden loss.

Witnesses and relatives told reporters they were unaware of serious prior issues between the siblings, deepening the sense of disbelief surrounding the tragedy.

Family and Community Grapple With Loss

The deaths have left loved ones mourning two family members at once.

Community members expressed grief for Schenita Swift, remembering her as a familiar face behind the counter. At the same time, relatives are now confronting the painful reality that the violence came from within the family.

Police have not indicated any history of prior calls to the location related to domestic disturbances. Authorities continue to review evidence as they close out the investigation.

Domestic Violence’s Unpredictable Toll

Officials said the case underscores how quickly domestic disputes can escalate with irreversible consequences.

Law enforcement reiterated that the incident appears confined to those involved, but the emotional impact extends far beyond the store’s walls. Neighbors described feeling shaken by the violence occurring in such a familiar place.

For those who knew the Swift family, February 6 will be remembered not as a routine day at a neighborhood store, but as the moment everything changed.

References: People.com