'Something bad happened': Miami family-of-4 with troubled history found dead in suspected murder-suicide

Warning: This article contains a recollection of crime and can be triggering to some, readers’ discretion advised.

MIAMI, FLORIDA: A family of four were found dead in a suspected murder-suicide on Sunday, March 10, prompting an investigation by Miami-Dade authorities.

The distressing incident unfolded when police responded to a welfare check request at the family's residence on Sunday night, March 10, after a foul odor was reported emanating from the apartment.

Alleged gunman identified by victim's brother

Upon entering the home, Miami-Dade officials made the grim discovery of the deceased family, all bearing gunshot wounds.

While the identities of the victims have not been officially released, the woman's brother, Juan Martinez, identified the alleged gunman as 60-year-old Victor Penalba and his wife as 50-year-old Yumara Martinez, according to local NBC affiliate WTVJ.

Investigators believe that Penalba fatally shot his wife, Yumara, along with their 13-year-old daughter Stephanie and 18-year-old son Jason, before turning the gun on himself.

Martinez revealed that his nephew's friends contacted the police after not hearing from him for several days.

A cryptic message sent by the nephew two weeks ago further raised concerns. "According to the detective, he tells us that my nephew mentioned to, I believe it was his friend or his girlfriend, a week before the 29th, that said, 'If you don’t hear from me in four to five days something bad happened,'" said Juan.

"Why would he say that? It leads me to believe that the father was threatening them."

Family's troubled history revealed

Despite Yumara and Penalba's on-and-off relationship, Juan suggested there was a possibility of reconciliation. "I know my sister broke up with him on and off a few times and she found this apartment, she was living with two kids," he claimed.

Yumara had found a new apartment and, despite their separation, allowed Penalba to live with her and contribute to bills. "She paid a heavy price," Juan lamented. As the investigation unfolds, authorities have yet to determine a motive for the suspected murder-suicide.

If you or someone you know is affected by any of the issues raised in this story, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (8255), chat on 988lifeline.org, or text Crisis Text Line at 741741.