FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Broward County prosecutors are seeking the death penalty for Nathan Gingles, the 43-year-old man deputies said murdered his father-in-law, estranged wife and her neighbor in February, all while bringing his young daughter along for the killing spree.
State Attorney Harold Pryor filed a required notice late Thursday afternoon.
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Gingles, of Lauderhill, is facing three counts of first-degree murder in the deaths of David Ponzer, Mary Gingles and Andrew Ferrin along North Plum Bay Parkway in Tamarac.
Authorities said on Feb. 16, Nathan Gingles first shot and killed Ponzer, 64, as he drank coffee on his back patio.
Mary Gingles, 34, ran seeking help after the shooting, deputies said. They said as Nathan Gingles chased her down — with their 4-year-old daughter Seraphine in tow — she would try to find refuge at the home of Ferrin, her 36-year-old neighbor.
Nathan Gingles then shot and killed both his estranged wife and Ferrin, prosecutors allege.
Deputies said he then kidnapped Seraphine, but deputies were able to locate both her and her father at the Walmart at 7900 W. McNab Road in North Lauderdale and took Nathan Gingles into custody.
According to court documents, Mary Gingles was a victim of domestic violence. They documented a troubled marriage, detailing allegations of abuse and Mary Gingles’ fear of her husband. She believed he would kill her and their daughter one day.
Broward County Sheriff Gregory Tony said deputies never collected Nathan Gingles’ weapons following a December restraining order and suspended eight deputies — and knocked a ninth down several ranks — after saying his agency “failed” to protect Mary Gingles.
He’s facing several additional charges on top of first-degree murder.
Nathan Gingles remained in the Broward Main Jail as of Friday.
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