HILLIARD, FL — In a heart-wrenching and tragic incident, Christopher Rowell, 34, allegedly shot and killed three women inside his home in Hilliard, Florida, on the evening of Thursday, July 24, 2025, before turning the gun on himself. The incident, which unfolded around 8 p.m. at a residence on West 12th Avenue, left the community in shock. A 5-year-old girl, identified as Rowell’s daughter, managed to escape the horrific scene and seek help from a neighbor.

Incident Details

Authorities responded to a call shortly after the child, still in shock, walked to a nearby neighbor’s home and informed them that Christopher Rowell had shot three women inside their home. The 5-year-old was able to escape, and her actions ultimately prompted a swift law enforcement response. Deputies from the Nassau County Sheriff’s Office arrived at the residence and entered the home.

Upon searching the property, officers discovered one victim lying in a pool of blood between the living and dining rooms. The deputies also found Christopher Rowell, who had suffered a gunshot wound to the head and was laying nearby in a pool of blood. A rifle, identified as an SKS-style rifle, was found beside him. Rowell still had a faint pulse when deputies arrived, and they immediately called for medical assistance.

While Rowell was airlifted to a hospital in critical condition, the situation inside the home remained grim. Upon further investigation, two additional victims were found, one in a bathroom and the other in a bedroom. Despite the efforts of first responders, all three women were pronounced dead at the scene.

The Victims

The names of the victims have not been officially released, but it was confirmed by Sheriff Bill Leeper that the women were related to Rowell in some capacity. Sources close to the investigation confirmed that Marissa Rowell, 34, Christopher Rowell’s wife, was among the victims.

The other two women, whose identities have yet to be publicly disclosed, are understood to have been family members, though their exact relationships to Rowell and Marissa are still pending official confirmation. Law enforcement continues to gather information to piece together the exact nature of their connections.

The 5-Year-Old’s Escape

A crucial aspect of this tragic story is the survival of Rowell’s 5-year-old daughter, who, according to Sheriff Leeper, demonstrated extraordinary strength and bravery during the ordeal. The child managed to escape the scene unharmed and was able to seek refuge with a neighbor, who alerted authorities to the situation.

Sheriff Leeper called the young girl “a very strong and beautiful little girl” but also acknowledged the emotional toll the tragedy will have on her in the coming years. The child, who witnessed her father’s violent actions, will undoubtedly require extensive support from family and mental health professionals as she processes the trauma she endured. The sheriff’s office emphasized the need for the community to provide love, support, and prayers for the child as she faces an unimaginable loss and emotional trauma.

The Investigation

The Nassau County Sheriff’s Office quickly launched an investigation into the shooting. While the specific details of what led to the incident remain unclear, law enforcement is working to determine the events that culminated in this senseless act of violence.

Sheriff Leeper described the incident as “tragic” and said that authorities would continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the attack. Investigators are likely to consider various factors, including the relationship between Rowell and the victims, potential motives, and any history of violence leading up to the shooting.

The 5-year-old girl’s statement will likely play a pivotal role in understanding the events that transpired. Law enforcement has not yet released additional details, but they are continuing to gather evidence and witness statements to build a comprehensive timeline of the evening.

Community Impact

This tragic event has sent shockwaves through the Hilliard community, which is now grappling with the loss of three women and the impact on a young child. Local residents, neighbors, and loved ones of the victims have expressed their sorrow and disbelief. The community has rallied together to support the child and the extended family of those who were lost.

Mental health professionals have also emphasized the importance of supporting the young girl, who is expected to undergo counseling and therapy to help her process the trauma of what she witnessed. Local organizations are already mobilizing to provide aid and assistance to the surviving family members, ensuring that they have the necessary resources to cope with the loss and heal emotionally.

The Future of the Investigation

As Christopher Rowell remains in critical condition in the hospital, investigators are awaiting his recovery to learn more about his involvement in the attack. While it remains unclear whether Rowell’s injuries were self-inflicted or caused by law enforcement during the response, authorities are still focusing on the case as a murder-suicide situation.

The Nassau County Sheriff’s Office has urged the public to come forward with any information that may assist in the investigation. They have opened multiple channels for tips, including Crime Stoppers and direct contact with the Sheriff’s Department. Law enforcement is also working with forensic experts to analyze the crime scene and review any potential evidence that may shed light on the motive for the attack.

Authorities are working diligently to ensure that the community receives closure and that the surviving child is cared for in the most supportive way possible. They have assured the public that no stone will be left unturned as they investigate the events surrounding this heartbreaking incident.

Conclusion

This horrific incident, which saw a father turn on his family, has left an indelible mark on the Hilliard community. With one life lost and others altered forever, the focus remains on supporting the 5-year-old survivor and bringing justice to the victims. The Nassau County Sheriff’s Office is committed to providing updates as the investigation progresses, and it is hoped that the full details of the tragedy will be revealed in due course.

As the investigation continues, the people of Hilliard and beyond are reminded of the fragility of life and the importance of intervening when there are signs of danger in relationships. The profound loss of Marissa Rowell and the two other victims will continue to resonate within the community, but the memory of their lives will live on through the love and support of their families and friends.