OAKLEAF – In what investigators believe is an astounding incident, Clay County Sheriff's Office investigators believe the Monday, Sept. 15, home invasion attack that left two dead and two others hospitalized was a completely random.

Deputies were called to the 3300 block of Pine Oaks Lane off Challenger Boulevard at approximately 6:20 a.m. after several people were shot inside a residence. They found Samantha Cicone, 39, dead of gunshot wounds and a 21-year-old woman who was shot. Clay County Fire Rescue transported her to a local hospital, where she remained in critical condition, according to a CCSO release.

The suspect, Mauricio Vasco Lopez, 45, of Jacksonville, was inside the residence with at least one gunshot wound. He was transported to a local hospital, where he later died.

Deputies also contacted Vincent Cicone, Jr., 48, Linda Peeples, 47, Ashlyn Peeples, 19, and James Magruder, 18, who fled to a neighbor’s house. Vincent Cicone suffered a gunshot wound and was taken to a local hospital by CCFRD, where he was treated but has since been released.

Investigative efforts determined that Lopez and his wife left their residence in Jacksonville after midnight and drove through Clay County for several hours. At some point, the front tire of their vehicle was damaged. The suspect continued driving until the car became disabled in front of the incident location. The suspect got out, leaving his wife inside the car, unaware of his intentions.

He then walked through the fenced yard of the home and came across James Magruder, who was standing outside the house. Armed with a handgun, the suspect ordered James inside the residence. Once inside, the suspect immediately shot the 21-year-old female.

The suspect then encountered Vincent Cicone, Jr. and fired a round, striking him. Samantha Cicone armed herself with a shotgun; however, the suspect shot her multiple times before she could fire a shot. The 16-year-old  boy was able to grab the shotgun and fire two rounds at the suspect, critically injuring him.

The 11-year-old female hid inside a bedroom, while the other family members were able to escape the residence and seek assistance from a neighbor. All parties except the suspect and his wife live together in the victims’ house.

As part of this investigation, search warrants were executed. A search of the suspect’s vehicle resulted in the recovery of two additional firearms and body armor.

A separate search conducted by the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office of the suspect’s residence led to the discovery of numerous firearms. No evidence was located that provided a link to the victims or established a motive.

At this time, investigative efforts have found no evidence that the suspect had any prior connection to the residence, the victims, or the surviving family members. The motive remains unknown; however, the suspect had several apparent mental health crises recently. This remains an active and ongoing investigation.

Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office records show Lopez was arrested on Sept. 11 for possessing cocaine, and despite making some disturbing Facebook posts on Sept. 6, he was released.

Those posts, in part, read:

“I just wanted to go ahead and apologize for (ny) behavior for the last 2 weeks. Unfortunately on my last hospitalization, they cut off the medicine we had determined was best for me. The problem with most psychotherapeutic drugs or substances is that they work best in a cumulative effect.” Another part of the post read, “…the stress of running multiple companies finally broke my mind down into my PTSD self ..where I start thinking everyone is an enemy and (dont) trust anyone….(ita) so awful.”

The Clay County Sheriff’s Office extends our deepest condolences and prayers to the victims, their families, and all those impacted by this senseless act of violence. We are grateful for the support of our community and commend the courage shown by those who acted to protect their loved ones during this tragedy.

If anyone has additional information about this incident, you are encouraged to call CCSO (904) 264-6512 or submit information via the Safer Watch App getsaferwatch.com.