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ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. (FOX 35 WOFL) - Deputies have arrested a homicide suspect after four children in Orange County woke up and found their mother dead.
The Orange County Sheriff's Office says 29-year-old Nelonza Pugh was taken into custody Wednesday afternoon. He is a suspect in the death of 29-year-old Brooke Jenkins.
During a news conference, Orange County Sheriff John Mina said that the children reportedly heard a loud argument on Tuesday night.
"This morning, when the children woke up, they found their mother deceased and immediately called 911," said Sheriff John Mina during a news conference.
Deputies say Pugh is husband of the victim and the father of some of the four children.
"Yet another tragedy, right before Christmas," Mina added.
"It was such a shock, I had to pull over," said Pastor Jake Stovall, who said he knows Pugh well. "Pugh is a nephew to me. I raised him. He was calling me and always came by the church. I was counseling him the other day."
He said he never had a clue there were problems.
"This is a tragedy. No one saw this, no one saw this. When you see them together, you see love.
Anyone that knows them, know that when they walked in the room, they lit it up."
Sheriff Mina said Pugh has an extensive criminal history; however, Pastor Stovall said he was focused on his family.
"He was a humble person.
He loved his family and loved his kids," Stovall added. "Lift this family up and take care and look out for these kids. That's what it's all about right now."
Sheriff Mina said the children range from ages two to 13. They are now in the custody of the Florida Department of Children and Families.