A woman is in critical condition after being shot in the abdomen by her boyfriend who then shot and killed a dog and himself Saturday afternoon, the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office said.

Deputies were called to a home in the 1400 block of Old Kings Road near Daytona Beach just after 1 p.m., according to spokesperson Andrew Gant.

Gant said a family dog tried to protect 31-year-old Candice Hall, who had just been pistol-whipped by her boyfriend, 37-year-old William J. Cox.

Gant said Cox shot the dog.

He then shot Hall in the stomach, but she was able to escape, before firing a fatal shot to his own head, Gant said.

In a 911 call released by the sheriff’s department Saturday afternoon, a young male can be heard saying that a woman was bleeding out after being shot in the abdomen.

“Please, she’s almost dead. Hurry, hurry,” he said to dispatchers.

He then handed the phone to another woman, who said two young children were at the scene.

Hall was taken to Halifax Health Medical Center and underwent surgery. She was in critical condition.

This is a breaking news story. Check back for updates. 

miwilliams@orlandosentinel.com

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