Girl Survives Attack That Killed 4 Family Members by Playing Dead

An 11-year-old girl who was tortured and shot multiple times after a Marine sharpshooter broke into her family home and killed four family members survived the ordeal by playing dead. The girl is expected to recover from her injuries but authorities suspect she will never mentally recover.

Bryan Riley Kills Family, Girl Survives

The September 2021 incident occurred in Polk County, Florida when 33-year-old Bryan Riley broke into the home of 40-year-old Justice Gleason and his girlfriend, 33-year-old Theresa Lanham. The couple’s 3-month-old son was also in the home and shot to death by Riley. Lanham’s grandmother, 62-year-old Catherine Delgado, was killed in the massacre.

After killing all four family members in front of the 11-year-old girl, Riley shot her four times.

“I played dead and I prayed,” the girl said.

Riley then shot and killed the family dog.

The surviving victim told police that the man was a stranger who had no connection to her family. He was in the area to pick up a first-aid kit from someone in the neighborhood. Riley said he planned to donate the kit to Hurricane Ida relief.

Looking for Amber

Riley noticed Gleason cutting the grass and stopped, telling him that God had sent him to speak to a girl named Amber who claimed to be a sex trafficking victim who was suicidal. Gleason told him no one lived at that home by the name and asked him to leave.

The man returned to the home about 4:30 a.m. He was dressed in body armor and carried three guns with him. Riley broke into the in-law suite, first killing Delgado. He then made his way into the main portion of the home where he found the other family members hiding in a bathroom.

He shot and killed all of the family members except the 11-year-old. He took the girl into the living room and asked her if she knew the whereabouts of Amber. The girl explained that she didn't know Amber.

Riley then counted down from three and shot her in the stomach. He asked About Amber again. When the girl stated she didn't know her, Riley shot her in her hands and leg. He fired again, this shot he suspected to be fatal.

Riley Shot by Police; Survives

The girl called the police. A shootout ensued when they arrived. Riley was shot in the stomach, at which time he surrendered to police.

After his arrest, Riley - a former Marine who fought in Iraq and Afghanistan- told police that he “created an ops plan.”

His girlfriend told police that he suffered from Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD.)

Riley Arrested, Charged

Riley is charged with first-degree murder, one count of attempted first-degree murder, seven counts of attempted first-degree murder on a law enforcement officer, shooting into an occupied dwelling, arson, two counts of armed burglary with battery, and cruelly to animals. He is held without bond.

"In his confession, he said, 'You know what that means? You have to kill everybody."

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More Information/Resources:

https://people.com/crime/ex-marine-accused-of-fla-family-massacre-allegedly-says-he-was-saving-sex-trafficking-victim/