TAMARAC, Fla. – Surveillance video obtained exclusively by Local 10 News Tuesday captures the terrifying moments a woman was on the run before deputies said she and two others were murdered by her estranged husband in Tamarac just over a week ago.
The video shows Mary Gingles frantically searching for help, with her 4-year-old daughter, Seraphine, trailing behind, as she fled from Nathan Gingles on Feb. 16.
The deadly chain of events began when investigators said Nathan Gingles shot and killed Mary’s father, David Ponzer, 64, at Mary Gingles home at 5897 N. Plum Bay Parkway in Tamarac.
Deputies said Nathan Gingles shot Ponzer in the head “while he innocently drank coffee on his back patio” before turning his attention to her.
Deputies with the Broward Sheriff’s Office said Ferrin, 36, was gunned down by Nathan Gingles, 43, at his own home, where Mary Gingles, 34, had fled for safety.
Surveillance video captured the harrowing moments as Mary Gingles fled from her estranged husband, with Seraphine close behind. The footage shows the pair going door to door in search of help before reaching Andrew Ferrin’s home.
Deputies said Nathan Gingles shot both Mary Gingles and Ferrin. The warrant stated that investigators found both dead on the floor.
The family of Andrew Ferrin spoke to Local 10 News Tuesday just more than a week after deputies said he was trying to help his neighbor escape from Nathan Gingles.
“I honestly believe that Andrew was the best part of all of us. He didn’t come from a traditional marriage. We all raised him,” said his uncle, George David Jr. “I can’t have my nephew become a footnote in a tragic scenario, and it is a tragic scenario.”
Authorities said Seraphine was found physically unharmed, but the case has brought renewed scrutiny to the system that failed to protect her mother.
They also said there were dozens of domestic violence calls involving Nathan Gingles, as well as a restraining order and allegations of abuse.
The Broward Sheriff’s Office has since announce the suspension of its eighth deputy, including a lieutenant and two sergeants, over their handling of past incidents involving Nathan Gingles.
BSO confirmed to Local 10 News on Wednesday that Deputy Raul Ortiz was also placed on paid administrative leave as part of their internal investigation.
Broward Sheriff Gregory Tony said a probe of past calls revealed that Nathan Gingles could have been arrested after a domestic violence call in December, but he was not.
“We had a chance to save their loved one’s life and we failed,” he said last Wednesday.
Tony also said “people will lose their job(s)” over their “piss-poor performance” as he announced the initial wave of suspensions.
Authorities said said Jemeriah Cooper was been demoted from captain to deputy and Lt. Emmanuel Koutsofios has been named acting district captain for Tamarac, which was effective as of Fed. 21.
Meanwhile, David is calling for legislative changes to prevent another tragedy.
“I need there to be changes in the law,” he said. “If Andrew had to be killed in some tragic, strange event, and he was just known for helping people, I would like to honor him with that.”
“I need to know that if he had to be killed unnecessarily in some tragic strange event and he’s an individual that was just known for helping people and this law can help someone. I would like to honor him (Andrew) with that,” David added.
Jail records show Nathan Gingles is facing three counts of first-degree murder, among several other felony charges that include kidnapping. He remains held without bond at the Broward Main Jail.
Editors note: This story has been updated to show that an 8th BSO deputy has been suspended as part of the sheriff office’s internal investigation.
