Broward sheriff removes additional deputies following investigation into mishandled Tamarac triple homicide earlier this year
Tamarac, Florida – The Broward Sheriff’s Office (BSO) has taken further disciplinary action against its personnel following a February triple homicide in Tamarac, announcing Friday that six deputies have been fired and 11 others disciplined for mishandling aspects of the case. The decision comes after a comprehensive internal review that uncovered significant lapses in judgment and response, both leading up to and following the tragic events.
The case centers on Nathan Gingles, who is accused of fatally shooting his ex-wife, Mary, her father, David Ponzer, and neighbor Andrew Ferrin while their young daughter reportedly trailed behind. Gingles has pleaded not guilty to three counts of first-degree murder. The review examined not only the deputies’ actions during the active-shooter scenario but also whether potential warning signs in the months prior were overlooked or mishandled.
Sheriff Gregory Tony, who announced the latest disciplinary measures, characterized the deputies’ performance as unacceptable. In discussing the findings, he drew parallels to prior agency failures, including the response during the 2018 Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting. “The internal review revealed serious lapses that cannot be overlooked,” Tony said. “Our deputies are entrusted with the safety of the community, and when that trust is broken, accountability must follow.”
This round of disciplinary actions brings the total number of BSO personnel fired or suspended in connection with the Tamarac killings to 19. Earlier this year, two deputies were removed, including Tamarac district captain Jemeriah Cooper. Friday’s announcement adds to a growing list of law enforcement personnel whose conduct in this case has been called into question.
The internal review scrutinized various aspects of the deputies’ conduct, from how they handled the immediate threat during the shooting to whether prior intelligence and behavioral warning signs were properly assessed. The investigation revealed multiple instances where procedures were either ignored or improperly followed, prompting the agency to take decisive action to restore public trust.
Sheriff Tony emphasized the agency’s commitment to learning from these failures and preventing similar situations in the future. He noted that the BSO has been implementing additional training, oversight measures, and procedural updates in response to the review’s findings. These steps aim to ensure that deputies are better equipped to respond swiftly and appropriately in high-pressure situations while remaining vigilant for early warning signs of potential threats.
The disciplinary measures reflect BSO’s recognition of the gravity of the Tamarac murders and the impact on both the victims’ families and the broader community. By holding deputies accountable, the sheriff hopes to reinforce the standards expected of law enforcement personnel and reassure residents that lapses of this nature will not go unchecked.
“This is a sobering reminder that every action by our officers matters and that our commitment to public safety is absolute,” Tony said. “We owe it to the victims, their families, and the community to ensure that these tragic events are never repeated due to preventable errors.”
The ongoing scrutiny of the BSO’s handling of the Tamarac triple homicide underscores the challenges faced by law enforcement agencies in managing complex cases and responding to evolving threats. As the legal proceedings against Nathan Gingles continue, the department’s focus remains on accountability, transparency, and improving internal practices to better protect the community in the future.
