HAINES CITY, Fla. — A woman is dead after her estranged boyfriend and father of her children shot and killed her near a Haines City Mexican restaurant, police said. The man reportedly confessed to the crime and is facing a murder charge, the agency added.
It happened Sunday morning in a parking lot near La Fiesta Mexicana Restaurant on Ingraham Avenue. Police said they received multiple 911 calls about the shooting, including from the victim, a 29-year-old woman.
Police said the calls started coming in just before 11 a.m. on June 30. One was the woman who reportedly identified the shooter as Rolando Guevara Zarate, the father of her children and estranged boyfriend of at least seven years, police said.
Minutes after the first 911 call, police said they arrived on the scene and found the woman suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. She was rushed to the hospital where she died just after noon, police said.
Witnesses of the shooting reportedly gave police a description of Zarate's car, a burgundy Ford Mustang, prompting officers to immediately issue a BOLO.
Around 11:15 a.m., a Winter Haven police K-9 officer reportedly spotted the car in the area. The Polk County Sheriff's aviation unit was called in to assist and Zarate's car was pulled over. However, police said he tried to run away on foot.
He didn't get far and was taken into custody by Winter Haven police, the agency said. The car was taken in for evidence and a rifle was reportedly seen inside; a warrant to search the car is in the works, police said.
Zarate confessed to killing the woman, saying he feared she was going to take their kids from him, according to police. He reportedly said he threw away the gun he used as he was driving away from the shooting. Police said they have since found a gun matching Zarate's description.
According to police, the victim previously accused Zarate of domestic battery. He has also been charged in the past with cocaine possession, DUI, meth possession, battery and aggravated battery.
For this crime, Zarate is charged with the following:
- First-degree murder
- Aggravated stalking
- Violation of an injunction for protection against domestic violence
- Discharging a firearm in public
- Tampering with or fabricating physical evidence
- Unlawful use of a two-way communications device
"This is a tragic and needless loss of life! Our hearts go out to the victim’s family and loved ones," Chief Greg Goreck said in a statement. "I commend the coordinated efforts of our officers and the cooperation with the Winter Haven Police Department and the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, which led to the swift apprehension of a suspect we believe to have carried out these heinous acts."
Police said as the investigation continues they are asking anyone with information about what led up to the shooting or anything relevant to contact the Haines City Police Department at 863-421-3636. To remain anonymous, you can contact Heartland Crime Stoppers at 888-400-8477.
