HILLIARD, FL — July 24, 2025 — A devastating triple homicide has left the close-knit community of Hilliard, Florida, reeling after 34-year-old Christopher Bobby Rowell allegedly shot and killed three women in a home on West 12th Avenue. The horrific incident, which unfolded around 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, was brought to light by the extraordinary courage of a 5-year-old girl who witnessed the violence, escaped, and alerted a neighbor, prompting a swift response from the Nassau County Sheriff’s Office (NCSO).
Deputies arrived at the West 12th Avenue residence after the child, covered in blood, ran to a neighbor’s home and reported that Rowell was shooting people. Upon entering the unlocked front door, deputies discovered a grim scene: one woman was found dead in the dining room, another in a bathroom, and a third in a bedroom, all victims of gunshot wounds. Rowell was located in the living room, lying in a pool of blood with a black SKS-style assault rifle nearby, having sustained a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head. Though initially thought to be deceased, he was found to have a faint pulse and was airlifted to UF Health in Jacksonville, where he remains clinically deceased pending organ harvesting.
“It’s sad, it’s tragic, it’s heartbreaking, and totally, totally unnecessary,” said Sheriff Bill Leeper during a somber press conference on Friday morning. “If there’s any positive, it’s that a 5-year-old girl who witnessed it was physically unharmed.” Leeper, a grandfather himself, expressed profound sorrow for the child’s trauma, emphasizing the incomprehensible nature of such violence, particularly in a domestic setting.
The victims, all adult women related to Rowell, have not been publicly identified as authorities work to notify their next of kin. The preliminary investigation points to a domestic violence incident, with investigators suggesting Rowell first shot the woman in the dining room, then the woman in the bathroom, and finally the woman in the bedroom before turning the gun on himself. Sheriff Leeper noted that no known mental health issues had been documented for Rowell, though other loaded weapons were found in the home, raising concerns about the potential for further violence.
The young girl’s bravery has been hailed as a beacon of hope amid the tragedy. According to Sheriff Leeper, she witnessed the first shooting in the living room, where one of the victims attempted to shield her by bringing her into the bathroom. Tragically, Rowell followed and shot the second victim in front of the child, who then fled to a neighbor’s home to seek help. The NCSO’s Victim Advocate Unit, in collaboration with child welfare services, ensured the child was placed in the care of extended family, and she is receiving support to address the profound trauma she endured.
The Hilliard community, known for its quiet and peaceful atmosphere, is grappling with shock and grief. Neighbors have expressed disbelief that such a tragedy could occur in their small town, with many focusing their support on the surviving child. “We’re holding that little girl in our hearts,” said a local resident, reflecting the sentiments of many. A growing memorial of flowers, candles, and heartfelt notes has begun to take shape near the home, and local agencies have deployed grief counselors to assist residents in coping with the loss.
The NCSO continues its meticulous investigation, with autopsies underway to provide further clarity on the victims’ cause of death. Investigators are analyzing forensic evidence, reviewing potential surveillance footage, and interviewing neighbors to construct a comprehensive timeline of events. Authorities have stated that this appears to be an isolated incident, posing no ongoing threat to the public. Formal charges against Rowell will depend on his medical outcome, though his current condition suggests he is unlikely to survive.
Sheriff Leeper underscored the importance of addressing domestic violence, urging those in need to seek help. “This kind of violence against family members, especially in the presence of a child, is beyond comprehension,” he said, thanking his deputies and investigators for their swift response in securing the scene and ensuring the child’s safety.
The Nassau County Sheriff’s Office encourages anyone with information about the incident to contact their tip line. For those experiencing domestic violence, support is available through local organizations or the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-SAFE (7233). As Hilliard mourns, the community remains united in supporting the young survivor and honoring the memory of those lost in this heartbreaking tragedy.
