The deaths of 65-year-old Rhonda Spencer and her 59-year-old husband Timothy Fordham, which occurred in the early hours of May 7 at their home in Miami Gardens, have been classified by authorities as a case of murder-suicide.
The tragedy took place in a house located at Northwest 185 Terrace and 20th Avenue, near Hard Rock Stadium.
The home was reduced to rubble after being consumed by fire, which started shortly before 3:30 AM.
According to reports, a strong explosion preceded the fire. Inside the home was also Tamonjamin Williams, the victims' nephew, who miraculously survived.
"The ceiling of the bedroom was above me. I started to call them... I couldn't get out through the door... God opened the door and then I went out," he recounted later.
"The security door was outside the house. It was hanging," he added.
During a vigil organized by family members on the Wednesday following the tragedy, Rhonda's sister, Jamie Spencer, expressed her shock and deep sorrow over what had happened.
"The idea of losing them in the middle of the night, unexpectedly in such a horrible way," said the woman.
Although a gas explosion was initially considered as a possibility, Florida City Gas ruled out this hypothesis by confirming that the residence was not connected to the natural gas service and that no leaks had been reported in the area.
Authorities determined that the fire was intentional and part of a violent act.
The family, however, continues to seek answers. Jamie stated that there were no prior signs of conflict between the couple.
"It's terrible not knowing if she was going through something like that. Maybe I could have been one of those people who could have helped her," she lamented.
During the same vigil, the family took the opportunity to defend the integrity of the nephew who managed to escape the fire: "We want to clarify any false rumors, any speculation, that our nephew was involved," they said.
The Spencers and the Fordhams were known and respected in their community. Rhonda worked as a supervisor in the Miami-Dade Water and Sewer Department, and she was an active member of her church.
“She was a great person, a Christian woman, hardworking and very loved,” her sister recalled.
The investigation remains in the hands of Miami-Dade Fire Rescue. Authorities have requested the public's cooperation.
"The detectives urged anyone with information about this or other cases to call Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-8477 to remain anonymous."
Frequently asked questions about the murder-suicide in Miami Gardens
What happened in the Miami Gardens fire?
The fire in Miami Gardens, which occurred in the early morning of May 7, was classified by authorities as a case of murder-suicide. Rhonda Spencer and Timothy Fordham died in the apparently intentional fire at their home.
Who were the victims of the fire in Miami Gardens?
The victims of the fire were Rhonda Spencer, 65, and her husband Timothy Fordham, 59. Both were well-known and respected in their community. Rhonda worked as a supervisor in the Miami-Dade County Water and Sewer Department.
What is known about the origin of the fire?
The fire was preceded by a loud explosion, and authorities have determined that it was intentional. Initially, it was considered to be a gas explosion, but this theory was dismissed after confirming that the house was not connected to the natural gas service.
What statements has the victims' family made?
The families of the victims, still searching for answers, have expressed their shock and pain over the tragedy. They have defended the integrity of the surviving nephew, Tamonjamin Williams, and have urged anyone with information to cooperate with authorities.
Filed under:
