A Florida dad found unconscious by police responding to a welfare check has been accused of murdering his wife and their toddler son, before trying to kill himself.
Jean Carlos Aponte, 40, has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder in connection with the fatal stabbings of Sara Ashley Gama, 38, and their 2-year-old boy, Ethan, at their Plantation, Florida, home Tuesday, according to police, CBS News, WSVN-TV, and WTVJ-TV reported.
The couple's 3-month-old baby was unharmed.
Aponte was arrested Saturday following his release from the hospital where he was being treated for an apparent drug overdose, police said, WPLG-TV reported.
He appeared in court over the weekend, where a judge denied him bond and ordered him to a mental health screening, according to the outlet.
It's unclear if Aponte entered a plea to the charges or retained an attorney to comment on his behalf.
Prior to the alleged killings, the father of two reportedly connected with the Catch a Lift Fund – a support group for veterans struggling with mental health issues.
"He had a very strong desire to make things right because he had a wife and a kid on the way," Chris Haley with the nonprofit, said, according to WTVJ. "That was one of the things I remember very clearly, is he wanted to do things right and be a positive example for his family."
"He was struggling. I couldn't tell if it was severe, but it's a struggle and I think he wanted to get better," Haley added. "I don't think he wanted to be miserable and I think he realized you got to do something for yourself sometimes."
Sara was described as ââa "devoted mother who poured her heart into caring for her precious children who brought endless joy and laughter into their lives," while Ethan "was a cherished child whose presence brought warmth and joy to all those around him," according to a GoFundMe organized to help defray funeral costs.
A motive in the killings remains under investigation.