Miami, Florida – A tragic incident unfolded in broad daylight outside a Chase Bank in West Kendall, resulting in the deaths of a mother and her 4-year-old son at the hands of her ex-boyfriend, who then took his own life. The horrifying event shocked the community and left many grappling with the senseless violence that occurred on a seemingly normal morning.
On the morning of Friday, June 7th, Odalys Maria Bancroft, a respected nurse and director of regulatory affairs at Jackson Health System, was driving her minivan with her young son, Theodore Couto, when they stopped at a drive-thru ATM. Moments later, Bancroft’s ex-boyfriend, 41-year-old Michael Andres Pineda Lozano, pulled up next to them and opened fire before turning the gun on himself, according to Miami-Dade police.
The tragic incident was responded to by a Miami-Dade police sergeant who happened to be in the area at the time and heard the gunshots. Upon arrival, he discovered the lifeless bodies of Bancroft and her son inside the minivan, with Lozano dead on the passenger side. The 4-year-old boy, Theodore, was confirmed to be Bancroft’s son and had no connection to the shooter.
Bancroft, who had been a dedicated employee at Jackson Health System since 2015, was highly regarded for her talent and kindness in the healthcare field. Her sudden and violent death sent shockwaves through the community, with colleagues and loved ones mourning the loss of a remarkable woman and devoted mother.
As the family and community grapple with the devastating loss, a GoFundMe campaign has been set up to help support them with funeral expenses. Those who knew Bancroft described her as a beacon of kindness and love, leaving a lasting impact on all who had the privilege of knowing her.
In the wake of this tragedy, it is important to remember the resources available for those experiencing domestic violence. The National Domestic Violence Hotline offers confidential and toll-free support 24/7 in over 170 languages for individuals in need of assistance. The heartbreaking loss of Bancroft and her son serves as a stark reminder of the devastating impact of domestic violence and the importance of seeking help in such situations.