Tragic Murder-Suicide Leaves Two Boys Orphaned in Florida
A beloved teacher is dead, and her two sons are orphaned after a murder-suicide in Florida on Friday night.
The Tragic Incident
The Encounter
Jamie Felix, a 45-year-old teacher, and her two sons, ages 10 and 17, were leaving a business in Port St Lucie on Friday when they were approached by a man they did not recognize, as per the Port St. Lucie Police (PSLP) Public Information Officer Master Sgt. Dominick Mesiti.
Disguised Encounter
The trio soon realized that the mystery man was none other than the boys’ father and Jamie’s estranged husband, Ray Felix, who was dressed in disguise, Mesiti revealed.
Forced Drive
Ray, armed with a gun, forced his way into the car and instructed Jamie to drive towards West Palm Beach while holding her at gunpoint. The two boys were asked to follow in a rental car that their father had arrived in, with the older son driving as the two vehicles traveled 50 miles south to West Palm Beach, according to police reports.
Tragic Conclusion
Approximately after driving for an hour, the car Jamie was driving suddenly swerved into the parking lot of a local motel in West Palm Beach.
Fatal Shooting
West Palm Beach Police (WPBP) spokesman Mike Jachles reported during a news conference that Ray and Jamie exited the car after pulling into the parking lot, where Ray allegedly shot and killed his estranged wife. This heartbreaking incident unfolded as the two boys watched from the rental car.
Ending the Tragedy
Ray proceeded to get into the rental car alone and returned it to the rental agency, according to Jachles. However, he did not exit the vehicle upon reaching the agency. When officers arrived on the scene and approached him, he shot himself, displaying an apparent intention to end his life.
Aftermath
Emergency responders declared Jamie dead at the scene, whereas Ray succumbed to his injuries at the hospital a few hours after the incident. Autopsies for both parties are pending.
Legal Troubles
The shooting comes just days before Ray was set to appear in court on Monday, April 1, due to being charged with felony battery, as per court documents.
Past Incidents
In an arrest report obtained by Inside Edition Digital, Jamie had previously contacted PSLP and accused Ray of physically assaulting her and confiscating her phone during an incident that occurred at their home in October.
Chilling Warnings
During her police interview, Jamie mentioned that the couple was on the verge of filing for divorce and highlighted Ray’s manipulative nature, stating, “Ray is very manipulative and is retired from law enforcement so he knows how to play the police.”
Restraining Order
Ray, as a condition of his pretrial release in that case, was barred from having any contact with Jamie or the couple’s youngest son, who reportedly witnessed the altercation.
Background
The couple had relocated to Port St. Lucie from Michigan in 2016, as indicated by public records.
Closure
This devastating tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the dangers and consequences of domestic disputes and violence. May the souls of the departed find peace, and may the survivors find solace in this trying time.
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