Florida church musical director killed wife, two kids at family’s home: sheriff

William Conway Broyles has been charged with three counts of second-degree murder.

By Edward Era Barbacena

A Florida man gunned down his wife of 30 years and two adult children at their home — shooting each victim multiple times so “they didn’t suffer,” authorities said.

William Conway Broyles, a white man who serves as musical director at a Jacksonville church, shot his 57-year-old wife, Candace, in the living room of their Callahan home early Wednesday, WJXT reported.

Nassau County Sheriff Bill Leeper said Broyles then went to his 27-year-old daughter’s room and shot her as she woke up before setting his sights on his 28-year-old son, who was also gunned down.

“This case is just tragic,” Leeper said at a press conference. “It’s just, it’s crazy. It just doesn’t make any sense.”

Broyles called 911 after allegedly executing his family but said he took their final moments into consideration.

“Later on, he told us that he shot each victim multiple times, just to make sure they didn’t suffer,” Leeper said. “When he asked why he didn’t just shoot himself, he said he was too scared to do that.”

An arrest report identified the victims as Candace, Cara and Aaron Broyles, according to WJXT. Leeper said there was no prior history of domestic issues at the family’s home.

“It doesn’t make any sense when you look at the whole circumstances of why we believe it happened,” the sheriff told WJXX, adding a motive remains under investigation.

Leeper said Broyles’ daughter may have had autism, but was high functioning, WJXX reported.

Broyles has been charged with three counts of second-degree murder and remains in held without bond at the Nassau County Jail, records show. It’s unclear if he’s hired an attorney who could comment on his behalf.

An online bio for Broyles at Hodges Boulevard Presbyterian Church says he’s worked as the director of music ministries for the past 23 years.

“Bill has been happily married for 30 years to Candace and they have three children, sons Evan and Aaron and daughter Cara, along with three crazy Corgi pups,” the site reads. “In his free time, Bill enjoys all types of outdoor activities, reworking older cars, and home and garden projects.”

Messages seeking comment from church officials were not returned Wednesday, WJXT reported Wednesday.