Quiet Florida neighborhood rocked after three found dead, child kidnapped

Tragic Triple Homicide in Florida: A Case of Domestic Violence and Systemic Failure

A harrowing triple homicide in Tamarac, Florida, has left a community reeling after a father, Nathan Gingles, 43, was accused of kidnapping his 4-year-old daughter, Seraphine, and murdering her mother, grandfather, and a neighbor. The case has brought to light a devastating chain of events that began with domestic violence warnings and ended in unimaginable tragedy. On February 16, authorities issued an Amber Alert for Seraphine after she was taken from her home, sparking a statewide search. While the child was later found safe, the incident revealed a grim reality: Mary Gingles, Seraphine’s mother, David Ponzer, her grandfather, and Andrew Ferrin, a neighbor who came to their aid, were all found shot to death. Nathan Gingles now faces three counts of first-degree murder, among other charges, as law enforcement grapples with questions about how this tragedyunfolded.

The horrified discovery began early Sunday morning when police responded to a shooting at the Tamarac home. There, they found David Ponzer, 64, lying on the back patio with a fatal gunshot wound. As investigators processed the scene, they learned that Seraphine was missing, and an Amber Alert was issued. Authorities believed Nathan Gingles had taken his daughter in a 2016 silver BMW X3 with a Texas license plate, warning the public that she was in danger. Initially, they thought Mary Gingles might also be with them, but as the day unfolded, the true horror became clear. Several hours later, Nathan and Seraphine were found in North Lauderdale, with the child unharmed. Nathan was taken into custody, initially charged with violating a restraining order related to contact with his daughter and her mother.

The following days revealed the full extent of the violence. Mary Gingles, 34, was found dead from gunshot wounds in another Tamarac home on North Plum Bay Parkway. Andrew Ferrin, 36, a neighbor who had attempted to help Mary when she sought assistance, was also found dead in the same home. The Broward County Sheriff’s Office Dive Team later recovered a gun from a nearby canal, believed to be the weapon used in the killings. Nathan Gingles was subsequently charged with three counts of premeditated first-degree murder, along with additional charges related to custody interference and violating a restraining order. He is currently being held at the main jail in Fort Lauderdale.

The case has sparked widespread outrage and calls for accountability, particularly as details of Nathan Gingles’ history of domestic violence have come to light. Court records reveal that Mary and Nathan were in the midst of a contentious divorce, and Nathan had two active domestic violence restraining orders against him. In December, Mary had contacted deputies, alleging that Nathan threatened to kill her. A responding officer spent over 30 minutes gathering information but did not arrest him, despite potentially having enough evidence to do so. This oversight has led to harsh scrutiny of the Broward County Sheriff’s Office, with seven deputies placed on leave pending an internal investigation. Sheriff Gregory Tony acknowledged the failure, stating, "We could have done more. … I’m not shining away from holding us accountable."

Nathan Gingles’ background adds another layer of concern. Described in court documents as "ex-military with high security clearance," his history raises questions about how someone with such a background could slip through the cracks of the legal system. Mary’s divorce petition painted a troubling picture of a man capable of violence, yet the system failed to act decisively. Sheriff Tony vowed to address the issue, saying, "When we rectify this situation, I’m going to send the fear of God amongst this entire agency." For now, the community mourns the loss of three innocent lives and struggles to make sense of a tragedy that might have been prevented.

Andrew Ferrin, the neighbor who lost his life while trying to help Mary, has been remembered as a kind and selfless individual. His uncle described the events as "unimaginable," saying, "A woman was in the neighborhood knocking on actual doors, and my nephew who was home happened to open the door for her." Ferrin’s death serves as a stark reminder of the ripple effects of domestic violence and the heroism of those who step in to help. As the investigation continues and Nathan Gingles faces justice, the case highlights the urgent need for stronger protections for victims of domestic violence and greater accountability within law enforcement. The murders of Mary Gingles, David Ponzer, and Andrew Ferrin are a heartbreaking reminder of the devastating consequences of unchecked violence and systemic failure.