LAKE COUNTY, Florida. – The biological father of two women who authorities say took their own lives after a fatal ambush by Lake County Sheriff’s officers is speaking out about the August 2 incident.

The estranged biological father of Cheyenne Sulpizio, 23, and Savannah Sulipizio, 22, said he was shocked to hear the news. Richard Eldridge said he had not seen his daughters since they were three and two years old, respectively.

The biological father of Cheyenne and Savannah Sulpizio is speaking out after their adoptive mother was arrested following an ambush by Lake County Sheriff’s officers on August 2. Both Cheyenne and Savannah were found dead at home, suicides.

According to the Lake County Sheriff’s Office, the violent attack was orchestrated by the sisters’ mother, Julie Sulpizio, and their adoptive father, Michael Sulpizio. Cheyenne and Savannah are also accused of being part of the family’s plan to lure neighbors to their Eustis home to kill them.

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One deputy was killed in the ambush and two others were critically injured. Julie Sulpizio was arrested and is in protective custody. Michael Sulpizio was found in the home with a self-inflicted gunshot wound. His pulse was weak, but he was later pronounced dead, according to officials. Cheyenne and Savannah were found dead, also with self-inflicted gunshot wounds.

“My mind was numb,” said Richard Eldridge. “I sat in the dark for several hours before I could collect myself somewhat.”

According to Lake County Sheriff Peyton Grinnell, officers found an arsenal of weapons and ammunition, as well as anti-government propaganda and escape backpacks in the Eustis home after the shooting.

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“No child should be placed in such an environment,” Eldridge said. “Especially not my own two daughters.”

“Do you think Cheyenne and Savannah have been brainwashed over the years?” asked FOX 35’s Hannah Mackenzie.

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“Absolutely,” Eldridge replied. “I thought at the time that I could trust Julie completely because she is their mother and a mother must protect her children at all costs.”

Rochelle Eldridge was the former stepmother of Cheyenne and Savannah. She was previously married to Richard Eldridge.

“I understand that many people see them as adult murderers, but I see them as two little girls who were victims of violence,” Rochelle Eldridge said. “Savannah was so brave! She tested every boundary imaginable. Cheyenne was a girl. She liked it when I painted her nails, played with her curls and dressed her in little dresses.”

The biological father of Cheyenne and Savannah Sulpizio is speaking out after their adoptive mother was arrested following an ambush by Lake County Sheriff’s officers on August 2. Both Cheyenne and Savannah were found dead at home, suicides.

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According to Rochelle Eldridge, this incident was 100% preventable.

“I warned people this was going to happen and they ignored me,” she said. “I want to know where the word got out. Did they see doctors? Did they graduate from high school? How did no one know they didn’t leave the property?”

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Rochelle Eldridge said she contacted the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) twice in 2019 and again in 2003.

Julie Sulpizio (Photo: Lake County Jail)

“They were 16 and 17 years old at the time. They weren’t allowed to drive or work, they weren’t allowed to leave the property, the fence was electric. I was told they had to stand in formation like they were soldiers,” Rochelle Eldridge said. “I was told the girls were home schooled and had no access to the outside world.”

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Rochelle Eldridge and her ex-husband Richard blame Julie and Michael Sulpizio for the incident.

The biological father of Cheyenne and Savannah Sulpizio is speaking out after their adoptive mother was arrested following an ambush by Lake County Sheriff’s officers on August 2. Both Cheyenne and Savannah were found dead at home, suicides.

“When Julie and I were together, she was a carefree woman,” said Richard Eldridge. “My deepest condolences go out to the officer who was killed, his family and everyone else, and to the two officers who were injured. I pray to God that they recover quickly.”

Julie Sulpizio remains in protective custody. Her next court date is September 3.