A mother and three children have been found murdered, and police need your help locating a man they say may be injured.

Mother, 3 Children Found Murdered In Lake Wales Apartment, Police Identify Suspect

A mother and three children have been found murdered in their Lake Wales apartment, and police are working to apprehend the suspect.
Al Joseph Stenson, Source: LWPD

LAKE WALES, Fla. – A mother and three children have been found murdered in their Lake Wales apartment, and police are working to apprehend the suspect.

On Tuesday, May 2, at approximately 8:51 PM, officers responded to Dawnlight Drive in Sunrise Apartments regarding a medical call.

Lake Wales Police Officers arrived on the scene and found a mother and her three children, two adults and one juvenile, dead from apparent gunshot wounds.

Officers were searching for Al Stenson, age 38, of Lake Wales, in connection with these brutal murders.

“Detectives were able to determine Al Joseph Stenson murdered a mother and her three children early yesterday morning. Detectives have obtained an arrest warrant for Stenson on four counts of 1st-degree murder. They have located Stensen and are actively working to take him into custody,” said Lek Wales Police.

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During this investigation, Detectives determined Stenson shot the victims in the apartment and then fled immediately at approximately 5 AM.

It was not until 8:51 PM Tuesday that law enforcement was notified when family members discovered the victims. The motive for the murders is unknown. However, the victims and the suspect knew each other. 

“We will not be releasing the names of the victims at this time due to Marsy’s Law,” said LWPD.

Police are asking anyone with information to contact Detective Ricky Hartwell with the Lake Wales Police Department at 863-678-4223. Or, if you would like to stay anonymous and be eligible for a CASH REWARD through Heartland Crime Stoppers:

  • Call 1-800-226 TIPS (8477)
  • From your cell phone, dial **TIPS
  • Visit the website www.heartlandcrimestoppers.com and click on “Submit A Tip,”
  • Or download the free “P3tips” app on your smartphone or tablet.

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