Broward County Sheriff Gregory Tony on Friday announced that six deputies have been fired and 13 others disciplined after an internal investigation found deputies failed to act during a February triple homicide, despite having “every opportunity” to save lives.
“We had a chance to save that woman’s life and we failed,” Tony said during a news conference. “Anyone with a badge and a gun who thinks that is acceptable can resign today.”
The disciplinary actions stem from the Feb. 16 shooting in Tamarac, when 43-year-old Nathan Gingles fatally shot his estranged wife, 34-year-old Mary Gingles, her father, 64-year-old David Ponzer, and neighbor Andrew Ferrin, 36. Court records show Mary had a restraining order against Gingles and had repeatedly reported threats to deputies in the weeks leading up to the killings.
The six terminated deputies were identified as Sgt. Travis Allen, Sgt. Devoune Williams, and Deputies Brittney King, Daniel Munoz, Lemar Blackwood and Eric Klisiak. Others received suspensions ranging from five to 15 days, including Deputies Dia Cross, Eric Baldy, Daniel Lovallo, Daimeon Nelson, Sophie Riggs, and Ilany Cebalos. Two deputies had allegations against them dismissed.
Tony said body camera footage, sworn statements and surveillance video revealed deputies staged nearby as Mary ran for her life, rather than intervening. A neighbor had called 911 to report gunshots and screams, but deputies remained in their vehicles for more than 20 minutes before approaching the home.
“That is not within policy, that’s not what we train,” Tony said. “Seconds matter. They’re the difference between life and death.”
The sheriff acknowledged failures in handling Mary’s prior domestic violence reports but said the most serious mistakes came the day of the killings, when deputies failed to engage as Gingles shot Ponzer in the backyard, then killed Mary and Ferrin.
Deputy union president Dan Rakofsky criticized the terminations, saying the deputies acted appropriately under the circumstances. “Each and every one of these members’ cases will be heard in arbitration,” he said. “We are confident the facts will show that our members could not have done anything different to change the tragic outcome.”
Family members of the victims expressed mixed emotions. Ferrin’s uncle said he was glad accountability was being sought but questioned whether it would lead to meaningful change. “It doesn’t bring my nephew back,” he said. “Mistakes were made and lives were lost. I’m glad that there is accountability, but is it going to change anything?”
Tony said he met with victims’ families Thursday to personally take responsibility. “This was not an organizational or administrational failure,” he said. “Either they were incompetent at the moment or just cowards. I can assure you that moving forward, we will be better.”
Gingles, a U.S. military veteran, was arrested later that day after a standoff at a North Lauderdale Walmart, where deputies confronted him while he carried his barefoot 4-year-old daughter, Seraphine. Detectives believe the child witnessed the shootings.
He remains in the Broward County Main Jail on three counts of first-degree murder, kidnapping and other charges. Prosecutors announced in March that they will seek the death penalty.
