Who was Riley Groover? Florida man fatally shot pregnant trans partner before committing suicide
Warning: This article contains a recollection of crime and can be triggering to some, readers’ discretion advised.
If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please contact the National Suicide Hotline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
POLK COUNTY, FLORIDA: In a heart-wrenching incident that rocked the Winter Haven community in Florida, a man supposedly fatally shot his transgender partner, who was eight months pregnant, before turning the gun on himself. The tragic event occurred last week outside their home in the Inwood area on Central Avenue West and was witnessed by multiple individuals.
Who was Riley Groover?
Riley John Groover's LinkedIn profile describes him as a photographer, entrepreneur, and CEO of Frosty Management Group. According to a statement obtained by Newsweek on Sunday, July 23, the Polk County Sheriff's Office confirmed that Groover, 26, allegedly shot and killed pregnant Camdyn Rider, 21, "multiple" times in front of witnesses before taking his own life. Despite the immediate action from first responders and medical staff at a nearby hospital, the victim's unborn baby died. While the Sheriff's office did not initially release the victim's identity, Groover's mother identified him as Rider, a transgender man, and was covered by the local news outlet WTSP.
"The incident occurred just after 7:00 p.m. outside in a neighborhood in front of several witnesses near their home located on Central Avenue West," authorities confirmed, adding, "At this stage in the investigation, it’s clear that this is a domestic-related double murder-suicide." Groover and Rider were engaged to be married and were seemingly deeply in love, according to reports. However, Groover's mother revealed that their relationship was not without its challenges, suggesting that they frequently argued over household responsibilities. "They loved each other very much," she told WTSP, adding, "It could be a volatile relationship. They argued a lot about work around the house where we all lived." She suspects that these frequent arguments may have contributed to the tragic outcome.
Violent history of the suspect
Groover's violent history was brought to light during the investigation, as court documents revealed prior incidents where he engaged in harmful behavior towards others. In a September 2014 occurrence, Groover, then 17, admitted to firing BB pellets through a home window and subsequently harassing the victim via text and phone calls for nearly a year. On another occasion in March 2016, he engaged in an altercation with his mother, breaking doors in their residence and causing her harm. However, criminal cases were not pursued in these instances, as the victims reportedly chose to focus on Groover receiving treatment for his autism.
However, another event occurred on October 2, 2018, in which Groover reportedly became aggressive and drove through the front yard toward his sister, leaving her in shock. Then, he allegedly stepped out of the car with an open pocket knife, chased the victim, and attempted to stab her. Fortunately, she was able to shield herself with a child's bicycle, resulting in only a minor injury.
'I'm so excited and couldn't be happier'
While Groover's previous incidents involved other individuals, this tragic event claimed the life of his partner and their unborn baby. Rider's Facebook profile showcased his excitement and anticipation as the couple eagerly awaited the arrival of their baby boy, whom they planned to name Oliver John Lee. "It's crazy to imagine that I'm now gonna be a father, especially to a little boy. But man I'm so excited and couldn't be happier, I couldn't be happier to be doing it with you, Riley Groover. Thank you for loving me, and thank you for this baby boy!! Oliver John Lee will be loved by many! I can't wait for this journey with you my love. And I can't wait to meet our oli bear," Rider posted on June 19.
Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd expressed his condolences, referring to the incident as a "violent and horrific double murder." He acknowledged the efforts made by family members and neighbors to assist Rider and intervene before the situation escalated. "When the suspect became enraged, family members and neighbors did everything they could to help Rider and get him away from Groover," Judd stated, adding, "Please keep this family in your prayers."
