A 20-year-old man is accused of killing the mother of his child and her mother while they were in a vehicle with their 2-year-old girl and 8-month-old boy during a custody exchange at an Orlando apartment complex.
Radrick Deshay Francois was arrested on charges of first degree murder with a firearm in the shooting deaths of 20-year-old Tanga Lynn Owens and 39-year-old Tanishia Rochelle Starr, according to an affidavit filed by the Orange County Sheriff’s Office.
Police were called to the Lake Sherwood Apartments on Friday, April 14, just before noon after receiving calls regarding a shooting.
According to authorities, Francois met up with Owens and Starr at a spot within the apartment complex to exchange children. Family and friends say the location was a common drop off and pick up location for Owens and Francois.
In video surveillance obtained from the apartment complex, which is located at 1801 London Crest Drive, a man is seen approaching a vehicle at approximately 11:22 a.m. and engaging in a conversation with the women. Authorities have since identified the man has Francois, based in part on the distinct, hooded sweatshirt he was wearing that bore an image of a Sesame Street character.
At 11:27 a.m., Francois is seen shooting into the vehicle and running back into the apartment complex with a child in his hands. Seconds later, the footage shows Starr get out of the driver seat of the vehicle and stumble onto the asphalt.
At the time of the incident, several Orange County Sheriff’s Office units were already in the apartment complex in unmarked vehicles, in reference to an unrelated investigation. Deputies arrived on the scene within seconds and located the two women in a KIA sedan, as well as Owens’ 8-month-old boy in a baby seat in the rear of the vehicle.
Starr was transported to the Orlando Regional Medical Center, where she was pronounced deceased. Owens was transported to Orlando Health Central, where she was also pronounced deceased.
Deputies immediately blocked off all the exits to the complex and prevented additional vehicles to enter or exit the complex.
According to the family of Owens, Francois had been in an ongoing custody battle with the mother and had previously threatened to kill her.
Authorities were able to contact Francois’s mother, who convinced him to exit his apartment and talk to investigators.
During an interview with Francois, he admitted to killing the women, but claimed it was in self defense. Francois described Owens as “disrespectful” and “promiscuous,” and said she called him a “bitch” just before he shot her. According to Francois, he wrestled the gun that he used for the shootings away from Owens and was “attempting to return it to her,” when a scuffle ensued and he shot her.
Authorities say video of the incident does not corroborate his statement.
Investigators were unable to recover the suspected firearm, as Francois says he gave it to a man who took it away from the crime scene.
Francois was arrested and is currently being detained at the Orange County Jail. He is facing two charges of first degree murder with a firearm.