2 people dead in suspected murder-suicide in Palm Coast, deputies say

FLAGLER COUNTY, Fla. - Editor's note: If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence or a mental health crisis, help, support, and resources are available. We have included a list at the end of this article.

Newly released body camera video shows the moments Flagler County deputies arrived at a Palm Coast home where authorities say a break-in ended with a man being shot to death and the suspected gunman dying by suicide.

Deputies said the suspect shot and killed his ex-girlfriend's friend, before shooting and killing himself. 

What we know:

The victim, 28-year-old Andrew Yoder, was shot multiple times and pronounced dead at the scene, according to the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office. His family described his death as the "greatest loss of their lives" and asked for privacy.

Investigators said the events began about 11:45 p.m. Monday when Jerome Curry, 34, showed up uninvited at his ex-girlfriend’s home.

Deputies responded to a trespassing call, but Curry had left before they arrived. Authorities searched the surrounding neighborhood and went to Curry’s apartment but were unable to find him.

About two hours later, deputies were called back to the home after the situation turned deadly.

"Shortly after 2 a.m., deputies responded to a 911 call from a woman who reported a man had entered the home armed with a gun and was actively shooting," Flagler County Chief Deputy Joe Barile said.

Newly released body camera video shows deputies arriving and approaching the home. Authorities said Curry then walked outside.

"As deputies approached, the shooter, identified as Jerome Curry, 34, of Palm Coast, exited the residence and within seconds shot himself," Barile said.

Deputies secured Curry’s gun and rushed inside the home, where they found Yoder suffering from multiple gunshot wounds.

Yoder was pronounced dead at the scene.

Curry was taken to a hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.

"Our prayers go out to the families affected by this shooting, which resulted in the senseless death of two people. This is a horrific and tragic incident for everyone involved. Being angry or in a mental health crisis does not give anyone the right to take someone else's life," said Sheriff Rick Staly in a statement.

What we don't know:

Officials did not disclose a possible motive in the shooting.

The backstory:

On Aug. 13, Curry was placed in protected custody under Florida's Baker Act due to concerning statements he had made following a recent breakup, the sheriff's office said. 

"After a series of violent domestic incidents last week, I had just emphasized that domestic violence has no place in our community must stop before it escalates and results in a death like we sadly saw early this morning. It’s well known that high risk for violence persists long after the initial relationship split. There is an elevated risk for increased violence up to two years following the break-up," Sheriff Staly said.

The sheriff's office said it had had several encounters with Curry since 2023, many of them related to civil or verbal disputes. None resulted in criminal charges. Officials noted that Curry has no criminal history.

"Asking for help is not weakness. If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health or in a domestic violence situation, there are resources available, and I encourage you to use those resources," the sheriff added.

Dig deeper:

The sheriff's office shared a number of resources for anyone experiencing a a mental health crisis or domestic violence:

• Family Life Center: 386-437-3505
• FCSO Victim Services: 386-586-4849
• FCSO Emergency Communications Center: 386-313-4911
• Florida Cares: 386-319-9483
• SMA Healthcare: 800-539-4228
• 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Text or call 988, or visit 988lifeline.org.

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