A tragic murder-suicide at a luxury high-rise condo in Hallandale Beach, Florida, has left a family mourning the loss of 34-year-old Pajtim Kasniqi, who was fatally shot by his wife, 27-year-old Sabrina Kasniqi, before she turned the gun on herself. The shocking incident unfolded on the 45th floor of the Beach Club II Hallandale condo tower early Wednesday morning.
A Tragic Scene Unfolds
The Hallandale Beach Police Department responded to an alert from ShotSpotter, a gunfire detection system, around 12:30 a.m. Upon arrival, officers found the couple's lifeless bodies on the balcony of their shared residence. Pajtim had been shot five times in the chest, and Sabrina was discovered nearby with a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Police confirmed the incident as a murder-suicide, stating in a press release, "Through the investigation, it has been determined that Sabrina Kasniqi fatally shot her husband multiple times before taking her own life."
The scene was described as harrowing, with blood dripping from the balcony onto the lower levels of the building. Items such as a teddy bear, a box of roses, and a still-blaring television were found inside the condo, painting a chilling picture of the couple's final moments.
Remembering Pajtim Kasniqi
Born into a large Albanian family who emigrated to the United States from Peje, Kosovo, Pajtim was described by loved ones as a devoted son, brother, uncle, and friend. His sister, Albana Krasniqi Munrett, shared heartfelt memories of her brother, highlighting his joyful nature and his love for children.
"It brings great joy to remember him smiling, laughing, and playing with the children," Munrett said. "He was always the first to want to take them for ice cream, treat them to a movie, or simply play around the house."
Munrett also recalled her brother's resilience following a devastating motorcycle accident in 2018 that required multiple surgeries and an arduous recovery process. "Despite unfathomable odds, he never complained. His strength and determination were infectious and will forever be a source of pride for our family," she added.
The Couple's Background
Pajtim and Sabrina had reportedly lived in Astoria, Queens, New York, before relocating to Florida. Sabrina, a model under her maiden name Sabrina Dzaferovic, had appeared in a 2021 Inside Edition feature where she spoke about her experiences walking through Times Square while being catcalled. She described the experience as unsettling, stating, "It just makes you have the heebie-jeebies."
While the motive behind the tragedy remains unclear, reports from Vox reveal that adultery may have been the motive behind the murder-suicide. Pajtim's family expressed their grief and anger online with his sister, Albana Munrett, writing a poignant post condemning Sabrina's actions, "The person he trusted the most, the person he chose to spend his life with, was the one who took his life away from him."
Community and Official Responses
The incident has left the local community and the residents of the Beach Club II Hallandale in shock. In a statement, FirstService Residential, the building's management company, expressed their sadness over the tragedy. "We are aware of and greatly saddened by the tragic incident that transpired overnight in our building. We are fully cooperating with authorities in this ongoing investigation, which they believe to have been an isolated incident. The safety and security of our residents remain our top priority."
The Hallandale Beach Police Department also extended condolences to the Kasniqi family and those affected by the incident. "This is a heartbreaking event, and our thoughts are with the loved ones of those involved," the department said in its statement.
