Florida Woman Fatally Shoots ‘Intruder’ Who Turns Out to Be Her Daughter

A Florida woman who fatally shot her daughter mistakenly thought the 27-year-old was a home intruder, authorities say.

The sleeping woman woke up when she heard a noise and saw a figure coming toward her late Tuesday night, said Sgt. Denise Roberts of the St. Cloud Police Department. The figure was approaching quickly, Roberts said, and didn’t say anything.

“The homeowner fired one round at the subject,” a news release on the shooting states. “The subject was later identified as the homeowner’s daughter.”

The daughter was taken to a hospital, where she died. The mother was also taken to the same hospital, according to the release.

“The homeowner’s story is consistent with the physical evidence and the witness’ statement,” the release states. “At this time, the incident appears to be an accidental shooting; however, the investigation is ongoing and it is considered to be an ‘open investigation.’ ”

The St. Cloud Police Department asked that media outlets not publish the names of the shooter and her husband, because the man is a police officer who has previously worked undercover. The victim’s mother works as an Osceola County Sheriff’s Office 911 dispatcher, the release states.

St. Cloud is located in central Florida, about 35 minutes from Orlando.