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Investigators were called out days before Temple Terrace girl died in suspected murder-suicide

Ayhan Aytes is accused of killing Ela Deniz Friedman Aytes.
Credit: Chong, Loo
Ayhan Aytes killed his daughter, then himself, officials say.

TEMPLE TERRACE, Fla. -- 10Investigates is learning new information about a suspected murder-suicide that happened Monday afternoon at a home on Skylake Place in Temple Terrace.

Police say 48-year-old Ayhan Aytes killed his 3-year-old daughter Ela Deniz Friedman Aytes.

According to public records obtained by 10Investigates, Ela's father and mother were separated, and she was visiting her dad when she was killed.

But, concerns had already been expressed about Ela's welfare.

10Investigates has confirmed that a call was made to the Florida Department of Children and Families Abuse Hotline on Dec. 3. At that point, DCF dispatched members of the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office, which conducts all child protective investigations in the county.

According to public records obtained by 10Investigates, the Child Protective Unit at the sheriff's office determined Ela was "appropriately cared for and no concerns were reported."

Not identifying any present danger, investigators left. A few days later, Ela was dead.

"It is sickening to know that Ela’s life was so tragically cut short by someone who was supposed to love and protect her," the Department of Children and Families wrote in a statement. "DCF stands ready to assist the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office during their child death investigation. We will continue to support Ela’s mother during this difficult time."

The alleged murder-suicide remains under investigation.

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