The family had repeated contact with law enforcement and the Florida Department of Children and Families before the homicides. Jose Suazo was arrested for domestic violence battery involving Johana in 2007, although the case was later dropped. DCF and law enforcement subsequently investigated incidents involving Joseph in 2011 and 2012, including allegations of physical violence and threats to kill Joseph and the rest of the family. In 2012, Joseph told investigators that he feared his father would kill him or his family. No further action was taken following that investigation. Additional law-enforcement contacts occurred in December 2012 and February 2013; during the latter, Joseph reported that his father pointed a handgun at his legs and fired a round inside a vehicle. No arrest was made because authorities reported insufficient probable cause. After Johana and Joseph were killed, Jose was arrested and charged with two counts of second-degree murder. He later died while awaiting trial, and the homicide charges were therefore never adjudicated.