The Broward Sheriff’s Office has fired six additional deputies and disciplined 11 others for their failures in handling the domestic violence case of Mary Gingles, who investigators say was murdered by her estranged husband despite repeatedly warning police that she feared for her life. Two deputies had already been dismissed earlier in the investigation.
An internal probe revealed that multiple deputies failed to properly follow up on Gingles’ reports of abuse by her husband, Nathan Gingles, before he allegedly carried out the February 16 killings of his wife, her father David Ponzer, and her neighbor Andrew Ferrin. The couple’s four-year-old daughter reportedly begged her father to stop during the attack.
Nathan Gingles has pleaded not guilty and could face the death penalty if convicted.
Missed Warnings and Red Flags
The killings have rocked the Tamarac community and sparked outrage over law enforcement’s inaction. Critics say deputies ignored clear warning signs and failed to use Florida’s red flag law, which allows authorities to seize firearms from people deemed a threat.
Sheriff Gregory Tony acknowledged the department’s failures:
“We had multiple opportunities to protect Mary during the months preceding her death when she alerted us to the domestic violence she was experiencing. The deputies and detectives assigned to investigate these cases failed their training and, ultimately, failed to handle Mary’s repeated cries for help with the urgency required.”
Investigations show Mary Gingles had confided in friends, family, and officers about her fears. Nathan allegedly violated restraining orders multiple times, placed a tracker on her car, and left a backpack in the garage filled with duct tape and zip ties—items authorities say pointed to preparation for further violence.
A Pattern of Escalation
The Miami Herald reported that Nathan’s behavior matched known risk factors for deadly domestic violence. Experts stress that firearms dramatically increase the likelihood of fatal outcomes in abusive relationships.
According to the Department of Justice, citing CDC research:
“One of the most crucial steps to prevent lethal violence is to disarm abusers and keep them disarmed.”
The case has renewed calls for stricter enforcement of protective orders and red flag laws, highlighting systemic failures that left Mary Gingles unprotected despite her repeated pleas for help.
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