DORAL, Fla. — The Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office is investigating after four people were found stabbed to death Tuesday night inside a home in Doral, authorities confirmed.
Those killed have since been identified by authorities as Ryan Charles Whiten, 42; Melanie Lauren Hyer, 46; Savannah Whiten, 11; and Sienna Whiten, 8.
According to MDSO, Doral police responded to a home in the gated Doral Isles community in the area of Northwest 111th Court and 72nd Terrace just after 7:30 p.m. after receiving a call from a family friend to check on the welfare of those who live there.
Authorities said officers entered the house and found four people who had stab wounds and were unresponsive.
Miami-Dade Fire Rescue personnel also responded to the home and pronounced all four dead at the scene.
Detectives said they believe the four were killed in a murder-suicide, but they have not identified which person they believe was the killer.
A representative for Downtown Doral Charter Schools confirmed that both girls were students there.
“Our community is mourning the loss of two of our beloved students. Our heartfelt sympathies are with their families, friends, faculty and staff at our schools. These students will be deeply missed,” the representative said in a statement. “To support our students and staff, the school has arranged to have grief counselors on campus and will continue to provide support as needed. We encourage parents to talk openly with their children and closely monitor their well-being. Parents with any concerns or in need of additional support should contact the school.”
Doral Mayor Christi Fraga released a statement on social media, saying the loss hits especially close to home as she personally knew Hyer.
“Our Doral community is heartbroken by the unimaginable tragedy that has impacted a local family and taken the lives of a mother and her two young daughters,” Fraga said in part. “As a mother, and as someone who personally knew and admired the loving and dedicated mother at the center of this tragedy, this loss feels especially close to home. My heart aches for their loved ones, classmates, teachers, friends, neighbors, and everyone grieving during this incredibly painful time.”
Fraga added, “This tragedy is also a painful reminder that we must continue having honest conversations about mental health, domestic violence, emotional wellness, and the importance of speaking up when something feels wrong.”
Parents who live nearby were also shaken to learn of the incident.
“I live super close to their house and I didn’t even know,” said parent Anderina Zerpa. “That is a tragedy. That is a worst nightmare for a parent.”
Court records obtained by Local 10 News show that Whiten and Hyer were divorced years ago.
“I cannot believe things like that, but sometimes people do that, and mental health is something that needs to be discussed,” said parent Areal Boveda.
Fraga shared the following resources for those experiencing domestic violence or mental health struggles:
• Miami-Dade Domestic Violence Hotline: 305-285-5900
• National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-SAFE (7233)
• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988
Resources can also be found on the Miami-Dade State Attorney’s Office website and the City of Doral website.
MDSO Homicide Bureau detectives have taken over the investigation into the deaths.
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