Fort Lauderdale Murder-Suicide Leaves Family in Shock as Son Fights for His Life
Fort Lauderdale, FL – A tragic murder-suicide in a Fort Lauderdale neighborhood has left a community and family reeling, as authorities continue to investigate the events that unfolded on April 4, 2025, in the 4500 block of Twin Lakes Boulevard.
The Incident
According to police reports, 28-year-old Carlos Reyes arrived at a residence on Twin Lakes Boulevard and opened fire, killing 24-year-old Michelle Rodriguez and critically injuring Ryan Kruse, who is currently fighting for his life at a local hospital. In the aftermath of the shooting, Reyes turned the gun on himself; while he initially survived the incident at the scene, he succumbed to his injuries and died a day later in the hospital.
Authorities have yet to release details regarding the connections between Reyes, Rodriguez, and Ryan Kruse. Investigators are working to determine whether any prior relationship existed among the three, as no motive has been established to date.
A Family in Turmoil
The incident has sent shockwaves through the local community and the family of Ryan Kruse. Tom Kruse, Ryan’s father, recounted the harrowing day in an emotional interview. “I got a call from one of the neighbors saying there were cops, there was shooting and stuff… they said it was at my house,” Tom said. He described the frantic moments afterward, explaining that he tried calling and texting Ryan repeatedly without receiving a reply.
Tom Kruse’s anguish was palpable as he described his shock at the unfolding tragedy. “He was well-loved,” he added, emphasizing that his son, who was on the cusp of beginning college this year, was a gentle soul whose future was suddenly in jeopardy.
Eyewitness Evidence and Ongoing Investigation
NBC6 has been made aware of nearby surveillance footage capturing the desperate moments of 24-year-old Michelle Rodriguez as she attempted to escape the residence. The video reportedly shows her crawling toward the front door before Reyes, with his weapon drawn, reopened fire on her. When detectives arrived at the scene, Rodriguez was already deceased, and Reyes was found to have inflicted fatal wounds upon himself.
As investigators continue to piece together the chain of events, local law enforcement has yet to clarify the underlying motivations behind this shocking act of violence. The absence of any publicly released connection between the perpetrator and his victims has left friends and family members searching for answers.
Community Response and Support
The incident has sparked an outpouring of sympathy and support in Fort Lauderdale. Local community leaders, as well as relatives, are calling for calm while awaiting further details from the ongoing investigation.
In the wake of the tragedy, authorities urge anyone affected to seek mental health support. Crisis intervention resources are available for those in need; individuals in crisis are encouraged to call or text 988 to reach the Suicide Prevention Lifeline or visit 988lifeline.org for online chat support.
Looking Ahead
As the investigation into the motives behind the shooting continues, the Kruse family is left grappling with the devastating impact of the incident. Ryan Kruse remains hospitalized in critical condition, and family members continue to hope for his recovery while mourning the loss of loved ones affected by the tragedy.
Local law enforcement and community leaders vow to work diligently to bring clarity to the situation. Meanwhile, the tragic incident stands as a somber reminder of the unforeseen violence that can upend lives—and the enduring need for support in times of crisis.
