‘She’s Very Resilient’: 8-Year-Old Survivor of Pembroke Park Murder-Suicide Improving

An 8-year-old girl who was the lone survivor of a brutal murder-suicide shooting in Pembroke Park is showing signs of recovery, family members confirmed on Wednesday. Phiinyx Solomon, who miraculously survived the attack that claimed the lives of her mother, three siblings, and the gunman, remains hospitalized as she recovers from the traumatic event. Despite the immense loss and the physical and emotional toll, Phiinyx’s family says she is improving every day.

Tragic Incident and the Heroic Survival of Phiinyx

On March 26, Phiinyx’s life was changed forever when her mother’s ex-boyfriend, Stephen McKenzie, opened fire inside their apartment in Pembroke Park. McKenzie fatally shot 32-year-old Julie Cruz, 11-year-old Xion Solomon, and 2-year-old twins Nova and Emery McKenzie before taking his own life. Phiinyx, Xion’s sister, was the only one to survive the tragic incident, though she was injured in the attack. Family members shared that Phiinyx is slowly recovering, and new video footage taken at Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital shows her walking through the halls, a significant step in her journey toward healing. Her grandmother, Irma Denisse Rivera, expressed her pride in Phiinyx’s progress, saying, “She is living true to her name. She’s a phoenix who rises, and that’s what she’s doing.” Rivera acknowledged that there are tough days, but the family focuses on the positive progress Phiinyx is making.

Resilience and Support in the Face of Trauma

Phiinyx’s father, Kelvin Solomon, expressed his relief and gratitude for the strides his daughter has made since the tragic event. “Coming from where we were two weeks ago to now, it’s a big jump in the right direction so I’m happy,” Solomon said. The emotional toll of losing her entire family is evident, but Phiinyx’s resilience shines through, and her family is committed to supporting her every step of the way. They are focusing on her rehabilitation, providing therapy, and surrounding her with love and care. “Emotionally there are some days, but for the most part she’s very resilient,” said her grandmother. “We try to encourage that resiliency and love her as much as we can.” Phiinyx’s recovery is nothing short of remarkable, and her family is full of pride for her strength during such a traumatic time.

Hope for the Future and a Call for Domestic Violence Awareness

Doctors are continuing to monitor Phiinyx’s recovery, conducting evaluations as she heals. Family members are hopeful that she will be discharged from the hospital in the next week or so, marking the next chapter in her recovery process. “She’s back or almost back to normal, but we’re so proud of her right now,” her father said. “Her strength and her resilience are something amazing for the whole family.” Meanwhile, Phiinyx’s grandmother, deeply moved by the family’s experience, shared a powerful message for those enduring domestic violence. “For anyone, man or woman, suffering from domestic violence, speak up! Talk to a friend or relative but leave today. Don’t think it’s going to get better,” Rivera urged. As Phiinyx continues to recover, her journey serves as a testament to resilience in the face of unimaginable tragedy, and her family’s dedication to her healing remains unwavering.