Caryn Collazo, 57, of Orlando, Florida, was shot to death at home on March 2, 2017. A registered nurse originally from Perry, Michigan, she was remembered for her faith, her work as a caregiver, and her advocacy for Alzheimer’s awareness in memory of her mother. Caryn is survived by at least two sons, including Rafael.
Police say Caryn and her stepson, 17-year-old Zachary Humelsine, were both killed and that Caryn’s husband, 57-year-old Hector Collazo, was the shooter. Hector told police he acted in self-defense, claiming Caryn and Zachary threatened him with a knife. A 15-year-old son who witnessed the event told investigators he heard a loud noise, found Caryn on the floor and Zachary holding a kitchen knife, and saw Hector shoot Caryn and then shoot Zachary several times. The boy escaped and called 911.
Investigators concluded the self-defense claim was not supported by the evidence, and Hector Collazo was arrested and charged with two counts of second-degree murder and held without bond. Does anyone have information about Caryn’s life in Orlando or the family’s history that could shed light on what led to this tragedy?