BRADFORD COUNTY, Fla. – A Bradford County mother is dead, and two children are left without parents following an apparent murder-suicide on Jan. 29.
Deputies with the Bradford County Sheriff’s Office responded to a domestic disturbance call that morning. According to investigators, a neighbor had attempted to intervene before deputies say Loyd Kerr pointed a gun at them.
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Deputies say Kerr allegedly shot at Rachael Kerr, hitting her in the neck. Their two children, ages 9 and 11, were inside with their father.
Bradford County Chief Deputy Brad Smith described what happened next.
“[Loyd Kerr] pointed a gun at each one of their heads, asked if they wanted to go to heaven with him, and they both begged him not to do it,” Smith told News4JAX.
That was before he allegedly shot himself in front of them.
The children escaped to a neighbor’s house. Their mother, Rachael, was found unresponsive with a gunshot wound to the neck and was later pronounced dead.
“It’s a horrible, horrible thing to have to make them tell us a story and relive it,” Smith said. “The children are very resilient, but there’s going to be long-term psychological effects from this. There’s just no way around that.”
Nick Leidy received the call about his sister’s death while he was three hours away. He immediately left with his 18-year-old daughter to pick up his niece and nephew.
“Just unbelievable at that point in time. I kind of went into shock a little bit but I had to... I knew I had to go get them,” Leidy said. “We had to go get those kids so I just went immediately, jumped in the car.”
During the drive, Leidy said he questioned if anything could have prevented the tragedy.
Records show his sister had taken multiple steps to protect herself, including moving to a new home and obtaining a restraining order against her estranged husband.
“In this particular case, the mother did everything that you could possibly do to try and get herself and her kids out of what was obviously a terrible situation,” Smith said.
Leidy points to gaps in the system designed to protect domestic violence victims:
“The system failed her. A simple restraint on a piece of paper didn’t give my sister any type of protection, didn’t give her any type of safety, physically or mentally,” Leidy said. “This situation needs to raise some awareness. My sister’s not the first person to go through this and unfortunately she’s not going to be the last.”
Leidy, now caring for his sister’s children, said the emotions come in waves. But said the kids have been strong.
“They’re reminded of their mom whether it be just a song that comes on or unpacking a blanket that both the mom and the daughter had,” Leidy said.
A GoFundMe fundraiser has been established to support the children. Leidy said community members have also provided meals and other assistance to the family. He said the outpouring of support and leaning on their faith has helped them through this difficult time.
“[Rachael] can rest easy. Finally take a rest. Don’t worry about your kids. We got them now.”
Resources
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence — help is available 24/7 through the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE.
Additionally, there are a number of resources in the Jacksonville area that provide help for victims of domestic violence.
Hubbard House
The Hubbard House has a hotline open 24/7 with operators who will talk confidentially to anyone experiencing domestic violence or questioning aspects of their relationship.
Operators can be contacted at 904-354-3114.
Victim services
The City of Jacksonville’s Social Services Division provides referral and victim advocacy services to victims of crime. Services are intended to help reduce trauma associated with domestic violence crimes.
Calls made to 904-630-6300 are all confidential.
InVEST (Intimate Violence Enhanced Services Team)
InVEST is a program aimed at increasing victim safety in the most potentially lethal cases. It’s a joint effort by the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, City of Jacksonville, and Hubbard House.
On a daily basis, InVEST staff review police reports and assess cases for lethal indicators. They then contact the victim to offer services.
For further information, please call (904) 255-3388.
Trinity Rescue Mission
Trinity Rescue Mission offers services to women who are trying to escape from dangerous circumstances and situations. It’s not a certified shelter, but it will provide assistance.