FORT LAUDERDALE — A man faces charges after a “suspicious incident” at a Hallandale Beach daycare led to his confession that he killed the pregnant mother of his two children.

On Sunday, Hallandale Beach police announced that 38-year-old Victor Chavez Sr. was arrested and charged with second-degree murder.

At around 9pm on Tuesday, officers were called to a nursery after receiving reports of a “suspicious incident” involving an eight-year-old and a nine-year-old whose parents had not picked them up. Concerned employees called police after their parents, who were known for being punctual, failed to show up, Hallandale Beach police said.

When daycare staff called a family member to check on the parents, the relative was alarmed to see that the family’s car was still parked at their home. Unable to get inside, the family member then called police and told them about the father’s alleged history of domestic disputes, mental health and prior threats, Hallandale Beach police said.

Once officers were able to enter the home, they found the father — Chavez — unresponsive in a bedroom and a woman in the bathroom. The woman, who was revealed to be the children’s mother and 20 weeks pregnant at the time, “suffered serious injuries” and was pronounced dead at the scene despite receiving immediate medical attention, Hallandale Beach police said .

Chavez, who was said to be “lethargic and unresponsive,” was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment.

After he recovered, Chavez was questioned by the police and, after being told his Miranda rights, he confessed to killing the woman and also attempting to kill himself. He was then apprehended and charged accordingly.

Hallandale Beach police said the children are safe and have been placed in the care of relatives as Child Protective Investigative Services (CPIS) investigates the incident.

The children’s family also established a online fundraising to support children.

Hallandale Beach police added that the circumstances of the crime are still under investigation and offer their “deepest condolences to the family affected by this horrific incident.”

Police have not released further details about the investigation.