PALM BEACH COUNTY, Fla. — A Royal Palm Beach man has been charged with first-degree murder and three counts of attempted first-degree murder following a shooting that left his grandfather dead and three other family members hospitalized, according to the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office.
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Thomas Faferko-Schmedes, 29, was booked into the Palm Beach County Jail after an investigation revealed four people were shot in the 4600 block of Coconut Boulevard Tuesday afternoon.
According to a probable cause affidavit, deputies responded to the shooting at approximately 4:47 p.m. Tuesday. The incident began as a family argument that quickly escalated into violence. A witness told investigators that Faferko-Schmedes, who is Schizophrenic according to deputies, had been arguing with family members before the situation turned deadly. A witness then told deputies that Faferko-Schmedes started "indiscriminately shooting at everyone" with a shotgun.
When deputies arrived, one male victim was found inside the residence where the shooting occurred. Two other victims — a male and female — attempted to flee in a vehicle but crashed a short distance away. A fourth victim, a female, fled on foot along Coconut Boulevard and was initially helped by a nearby resident.
When deputies arrived, they found Faferko-Schmedes at the scene holding a shotgun. The probable cause affidavit reveals the suspect made erratic statements while being detained, claiming to be the victim in the incident.
The shooting left the suspect's grandfather dead from a gunshot wounds to the head. Two victims remain in serious condition, while the fourth victim, a female, is listed in stable condition.
A family friend who had known the family for years expressed mental health concerns about Faferko-Schmedes to investigators, saying he had made threats to kill the family before but were not taken serious because of his mental health history. While in custody, the suspect made "unrealistic and unrelated statements" about being in the Special Forces of the military and claiming that he killed police officers.
Neighbors who live in the area said they're dismayed by the shooting.
"We're shocked," said one man. "We've known the family for years, kept in touch with them through friends, here and there."
Faferko-Schmedes faces first-degree premeditated murder charges for his grandfather's death and attempted first-degree premeditated murder charges for the three other victims.
Portions of this story were assisted by artificial intelligence tools and reviewed by a WPTV journalist to ensure accuracy, clarity, and adherence to editorial standards.
