Death of 3 individuals in Machesney Park is ruled murder-suicide

A Rockford man shot and killed his ex-girlfriend and her 11-year-old son then turned the gun on himself in a Machesney Park apartment, according to the Winnebago County Sheriff's Department.

Michael Earls, 37, is believed to have shot 28-year-old Sandra Fernandez-Cardenas and her son. He then shot himself.

Investigators say it happened Wednesday in the 1100 block of Minns Drive. Deputies were called to the scene just after 4 p.m.

A news release from the Sheriff's Department says Earl and Fernandez-Cardenas had a previous relationship.

We will bring you more details as the investigation unfolds.