Felonious Florida: The Altidor Massacre – Episode 3: Overkill

Release Date: May 6, 2025

Introduction

In Season 5 of Felonious Florida, host David Shoots delves deep into one of the most gruesome unsolved cases in the Sunshine State—the Altidor Massacre. Episode 3, titled "Overkill," meticulously unpacks the brutal quadruple homicide that unfolded on a quiet spring morning in Miramar, Florida, in 1997. This detailed summary captures the key discussions, insights, and investigative breakthroughs presented in the episode, offering listeners an engaging walkthrough of the case.

The Brutal Altidor Massacre

On the morning of April 30, 1997, the Altidor family—comprising Teresa Laverne (the grandmother), Marie Altidore (the mother), George Altidore (the father and primary suspect), and their two young daughters, Samantha (two years old) and Sabrina (six weeks old)—were brutally murdered in their Miramar home. The killings were executed with extraordinary speed and violence, leaving investigators baffled and the community in shock.

David Shoots narrates the horrifying sequence of events:

"Teresa was preparing breakfast when suddenly she was struck in her head with a hammer... The attack wasn't over. She was then hit in the head with a hammer, again and again, as many as two dozen times." ([00:57])

The brutality extended beyond Teresa, with Marie and their daughters falling victim to the same inhumane treatment.

Crime Scene Details

Detective Ron Peluzzo provides an in-depth analysis of the crime scene, highlighting the sheer ferocity and efficiency of the murders:

"This was extremely violent because the people were beaten and shot... There was a lot of rage there, a lot of rage." ([07:18])

The kitchen, central to the house's layout, became the primary murder ground. Forensic evidence revealed multiple hammer blows and gunshots, indicating a methodical attempt to eliminate each family member swiftly.

Emotional Impact on Investigators

The sheer senselessness of the massacre left a lasting impression on the detectives involved. Detective Peluzzo recalls the emotional turmoil faced by the officers:

"Police officers hardened. But this was a crime scene where people were crying and it broke down." ([15:43])

The traumatic experience underscored the challenges law enforcement faces when confronting such extreme violence, reinforcing their determination to seek justice for the victims.

George Altidore's Alibi and Interrogation

George Altidore emerged as the primary suspect early in the investigation. His detailed interrogation revealed critical insights and potential cracks in his alibi:

"Do you owe anyone any money? No." ([24:56])

George maintained that he was at work during the time of the murders, a claim supposedly verifiable by his coworkers. However, inconsistencies arose during his questioning, particularly regarding his attempts to contact his family and the reliability of his neighbor's alibi.

Detective Peluzzo emphasizes the meticulous nature of George's interrogation:

"It's my understanding that you left your house today to go to work... How would the killer know whether or not there was a fifth person hiding behind that locked door?" ([26:18] - [26:18])

Despite thorough questioning, George Altidore's alibi remained uncorroborated, leaving investigators with lingering suspicions.

Unresolved Evidence and Mysteries

The Altidor case is riddled with perplexing evidence that has stymied investigators for decades:

• Lack of Fingerprints and Footprints: Despite the bloodshed, no foreign fingerprints or footprints were found at the scene. Detective Peluzzo muses:

  "Where's my footprints with all that blood?... I have no footprints." ([31:59])

• Missing Gun and Shell Casings: Five bullets were fired during the murders, yet no gun or shell casings were recovered, deepening the mystery surrounding the perpetrator’s escape.

• Mysterious Clothing: Outside the house, women's clothing of unfamiliar sizes was scattered, prompting further investigation. Fabiola, Marie's cousin, identified the clothes as her own, left at the scene inexplicably.

  "They were like scattered on the ground... They were like a bunch of clothes that wouldn't fit anyone in the house." ([35:19] - [36:12])

These anomalies suggest an efficiency and precision rarely seen in such violent crimes, fueling theories about the killer's familiarity with the household.

Investigative Insights and Theories

Special Agent Tony Panetta and Detective Peluzzo discuss the possibility that the murders were executed before blood pools could form, explaining the absence of footprints:

"The killer was gone before the pools of blood had even formed." ([33:29])

This theory aligns with the FBI behavioral science review, which estimated the murders took as little as 12 seconds—a stark contrast to other high-profile cases, such as the O.J. Simpson murders.

Moreover, the meticulous nature of the crime scene suggests premeditation. The lack of forced entry and the preservation of valuables indicate that robbery was not the motive, pointing investigators toward personal motives or psychological factors driving the killer's rage.

Conclusion and Ongoing Investigation

Despite the extensive investigation, the Altidor Massacre remains unsolved. The combination of efficient execution, lack of forensic evidence, and the enigmatic behavior of the primary suspect has left law enforcement without concrete leads. Detective Peluzzo remains steadfast in his pursuit of justice:

"He is the primary suspect. He's the guy who has to be looked at." ([37:26])

As Felonious Florida continues to explore this chilling case in subsequent episodes, listeners are left pondering the depths of human violence and the relentless quest for answers in the face of overwhelming brutality.

Stay Informed

For those seeking more information about the Altidor murders, including photos and updates, visit feloniousflorida.com. If you have any information related to this case or other crimes covered in the series, please contact Crime Stoppers at 954-493-TIPS.

Felonious Florida is a production of the South Florida Sun Sentinel in association with Wondery. Episode 3 was reported and written by David Shoots, with contributions from Sean Pitts (sound design), Robin Webb (editing), and others who contributed to the haunting recount of the Altidor Massacre.