The Sheriff’s Office said a 16-year-old who lived inside the home shot and killed the intruder as he was shooting at other residents.
CLAY COUNTY, Fla. — The Clay County Sheriff’s Office released new information Thursday regarding the shooting of four people, including the assailant, in a home near Oakleaf Plantation on Monday.
Deputies arrived on scene of the shooting in the 3300 block of Pine Oaks Lane near Challenger Drive around 6:23 a.m. Monday.
Undersheriff Ron Lendvay said Monday deputies found four people shot inside the home, one of them pronounced dead on the scene.
The three others were taken to a nearby hospital where one, the shooting suspect, later died from his injuries.
Lendvay identified the suspect as 45-year-old Mauricio Vasco Lopez, saying he entered the home and shot three other people.
The investigation revealed that Lopez and his wife left their Jacksonville residence just after midnight on Monday and drove around Clay County for several hours.
At some point, investigators said their car got a flat tire, but continued driving until the car became disabled in front of the home.
Lopez exited their vehicle, leaving his wife behind, and confronted a man outside the home, demanding he enter the house while brandishing a firearm.
Once inside, Lopez immediately shot and killed a 21-year-old woman, investigators said. He then encountered a man and shot him.
A 39-year-old woman inside the home armed herself with a shotgun, intending to retaliate, but Lopez shot her multiple times before she could fire.
A 16-year-old teen then grabbed the shotgun, deputies said, firing two rounds at Lopez and critically wounding him.
An 11-year-old girl managed to hide in a bedroom, while other family members fled. Emergency responders found a 21-year-old deceased at the scene and transported three individuals, including Lopez, to the hospital with gunshot injuries. Lopez later succumbed to his injuries at the hospital.
Deputies executed a search warrant on Lopez’s vehicle, discovering two more firearms and body armor. Jacksonville authorities searched his home and found multiple firearms.
Investigators said his wife was unaware of his intentions when he got out of the car.
CCSO said their investigation has found no evidence that Lopez had any prior connection to the house, the victims, or the surviving family members. The motive remains unknown, however deputies said Lopez had several apparent mental health crises recently.
“The Clay County Sheriff’s Office extends our deepest condolences and prayers to the victims, their families, and all those impacted by this senseless act of violence,” CCSO said in the statement. “We are grateful for the support of our community and commend the courage shown by those who acted to protect their loved ones during this tragedy.”
