Police say Al Joseph Stenson, 38, shot the victims, a 40-year-old mom, her 21-year-old son, her 17-year-old daughter and her 11-year-old daughter in an apartment.
Lake Wales Police Department Press Release Re: Al Joseph Stenson Wanted
UPDATE 2
Mother and Three Children Killed
Police Actively Investigating
Detectives worked with Sanford Police Department and Seminole County Sheriff’s Office as Al Joseph Stenson fled to Slumberland Motel in Sanford, Florida. Stenson made statements that he would kill himself or force law enforcement to kill him. After hours-long standoff involving crisis negotiation and SWAT, interactions ended in an officer-involved shooting. Stenson was pronounced deceased at the scene. This case remains an active investigation and is ongoing. Law enforcement requests anyone with information regarding this case as it relates to Lake Wales to contact Detective Ricky Hartwell at 863-678-4223.
Any inquiries revolving around the activities at Slumberland Motel need to be directed to Sanford Police Department or Seminole County Sheriff’s Office.
UPDATE 1
Detectives were able to determine Al Joseph Stenson murdered a mother and her three children early yesterday morning.
Detectives have obtained an arrest warrant for Stenson on four counts of 1st-degree murder. They have located Stenson and are actively working to take him into custody.
During this investigation, Detectives determined Stenson shot the victims in an apartment then fled immediately thereafter at approximately 5 AM. It was not until 8:51.
PM on May 2 that law enforcement was notified when the victims were discovered by family members. The motive for the murders is unknown, however, the victims and the suspect knew each other. We will not be releasing the names of the victims at this time due to Marsy’s Law.
We will provide additional updates as they become available. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.