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10-Year-Old Hid In Closet, Called 911 While Suspected Burglar Fatally Beat Family Members To Death
The boy's grandfather, John Savey, and his uncle, James Savey, were killed during a botched robbery allegedly perpetrated by Ezekiel Emanuel Hopkins.
A 10-year-old Florida boy survived a horrific home invasion that left his uncle and grandfather dead and the alleged murderer drinking bleach in an apparent attempt to avoid arrest.
Ezekiel Emanuel Hopkins, 34, is accused of using a baseball bat to beat John Savey and James Savey to death last week at the family’s Windermere home, according to an arrest warrant obtained by Oxygen.com. John Savey’s wife, Lisa, was seriously injured but survived the attack, police said.
Hopkins was apprehended after the family’s grandson grabbed his grandmother’s phone, jumped in the bathroom closet, and “called the cops,” shortly after 11 p.m. on July 30.
The child’s grandparents were first awoken after Hopkins allegedly drove his vehicle through a gate and crashed into some bushes next to the couple’s home. He was allegedly trying to steal a vehicle from the residence while the family slept.
John Savey later confronted Hopkins with a baseball bat in their garage — where Hopkins allegedly overpowered John Savey.
“The homeowners confronted the defendant at which time he attacked Mr. Savey,” Windermere Police Department wrote in a statement. “The defendant then went inside the residence and attacked Mrs. Savey who had retreated into her home.”
Lisa Savey told police that she was hit “several times” with the bat. While lying on the ground, she later heard Hopkins club the couple’s son, James, to death.
The 10-year-old boy also told law enforcement that he woke up and saw a “bad guy” in the home’s hallway, the warrant stated. The child told detectives he saw the man — who was wearing black — “slap” his grandfather. The grandson then dove into the bathroom closet and called 911 while Hopkins allegedly attacked his family.
While he hid, the 10-year-old told detectives he heard “yelling” and “kitchen chairs moving.”
After responding police surrounded the home, authorities alleged Hopkins drank bleach he found in the Savey home in an apparent attempt to kill himself. He was transported to a hospital where he was placed under arrest.
Hopkins has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder and one count of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon.
“Our deepest thoughts and prayers go out to the family and our community who have been with our community for over 20 years,” Windermere Police Chief David Ogden said. “We all stand ready to assist in any way possible."
Authorities described the case as “active and ongoing.” Windermere Police Department declined to comment on the case on Monday.
Hopkins is being held at an Orange County jailhouse without bond, according to online jail records. His arraignment has been scheduled for Aug. 1. He’s been appointed a public defender, but it isn't clear if the attorney is available for comment.
