HCSO Investigates Apparent Murder-Suicide in Valrico, Florida

Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office is currently investigating an apparent murder-suicide in Valrico, Florida. According to Sheriff Chad Chronister, a man named Phillip Cordova, 51, discovered that his estranged wife had been dating another man for the past three months. Cordova had been sending threatening text messages to his wife, indicating that he planned to take his own life.

The tragic incident unfolded early Wednesday morning when dispatchers received two 911 calls from a home in Valrico. Cordova’s wife and their 12-year-old son were inside the house when the violence erupted. The 12-year-old boy managed to hide in a closet upstairs while Cordova allegedly shot his wife’s new boyfriend multiple times after threatening him.

Neighbors reported hearing gunshots in the early hours of the morning, prompting law enforcement to respond quickly to the scene. Deputies found the boyfriend shot inside the home and Cordova’s body inside a burning vehicle nearby. While authorities believe Cordova took his own life, his body was too badly burned to confirm with certainty.

Sheriff Chronister emphasized the devastating impact this incident has had on the 12-year-old boy, whose life has been shattered by the events. The name of the victim inside the home has not been released pending notification of his next of kin.

The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office is leading the investigation into this tragic murder-suicide. Stay connected with FOX 13 Tampa for updates on this developing story.