FT. LAUDERDALE (CBSMiami) – Fort Lauderdale police are investigating what they suspect is a murder-suicide.

Police spokesman Detective Travis Mandell said officers were sent to the lobby of the Runaway Bay condominium, located on the 1600 block of SE 10th Street, Wednesday morning after someone called to report a shooting. When they arrived they discovered the body of 36-year-old man slumped over in a chair and second man, 73-year-old Gene Schlanger, holding a gun.

As the officers entered the lobby, Schlanger put placed the gun to his head and pulled the trigger. He was rushed to Broward General Medical Center, but he died en route.

According to police, the victim is believed to have been known by Schlanger, but their relationship is still under investigation.
“This is a tragedy for both families involved and we’re hoping we can get to the bottom of this as soon as we can,” detective Travis Mandell with the Fort Lauderdale Police Department said.

When the gunfire erupted, there was a great deal of concern because on the other side of the building there is an elementary school. Police arrived quickly to make sure the violence did not spread, CBS4’s Carey Codd reported.

Detectives are investigating the incident as a murder-suicide.

Anyone with information regarding the shooting is asked to contact Detective Juan Cabrera at 954-828-5581 or Detective William DeJesus at 954-828-5366 or Broward Crime Stoppers at 954-493-TIPS.