PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. -- The Charlotte County Sheriff's Office is investigating a murder-suicide that took the life of a North Port High School teacher Friday evening.
Police revealed disturbing details Saturday, indicating that a child witnessed the incident.
It happened at the McDonald's in front of Promenade Plaza around 7 o'clock Friday evening, when a separated couple were exchanging their child. The child remained in a car and was unharmed.
"I just saw cops everywhere with their guns out, and when I looked over at McDonald's, there were like ten of them behind a shield," said witness Danielle Rafferty.
Officials identified the couple involved as Antoinette and Hugh Gordon. Antoinette was an English teacher at North Port High School.
Witnesses said they heard dozens of shots before police arrived. "The shooting was happening when we arrived," said Skip Conroy with CCSO. "The last shot was fired and then the scene was contained."
The child has been placed and is being cared for, according to CCSO.
Witnesses and residents were shaken by the situation. "It stinks that things happen like this," said Rafferty. "I wish there were better things in place to help people."
A motive for the shooting is still unknown at this time.
