TEMPLE TERRACE, Fla. — Temple Terrace Police are investigating an apparent murder-suicide that involved a 3-year-old girl.

  • Temple Terrace Police investigating apparent murder-suicide
  • Officers called to home found man, 3-year-old girl dead
  • Family of girl releases statement

According to officials, officers responded to the 11000 block of Skylake Place at 4 p.m. Monday for a well-being check.

Officers found two dead people: a man and a female child.

A preliminary investigation indicates that a man killed his daughter, then took his own life. 

The cause of death for both individuals is pending autopsy results from the Medical Examiner's Office. The investigation is ongoing.

Authorities identified the deceased man as 48-year-old Ayhan Aytes and the girl as Ela Deniz Friedman Aytes.

In a prepared statement, the girl's family said: "Our family is devastated at the loss of our beloved Ela. At this point we need time to grieve together and we ask for privacy. We hope to have a statement as we begin to comprehend this horrific event. Thank you for your consideration."

Aytes is listed as a visiting professor on the University of South Floriday's website.

According to a school spokesman, Ayhan Aytes was first hired at USF in December 2016 for one semester in a temporary position as a visiting assistant professor in the Zimmerman School of Advertising and Mass Communications.  His contract expired in May 2017.

He was brought back in the same capacity in August 2017 for two semesters. His contract expired in May 2018.

A home owners association president, Ray Sasovetz, said Aytes kept to himself and never caused any issues.

"A little kid, c'mon," Sasovetz said. "It's wrong. Wrong, wrong, wrong. That child didn't have a voice. (Aytes) is old enough to know better."

Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact the Temple Terrace Police Department at (813) 989-7110.