A Florida sheriff's deputy murdered his ex-girlfriend and then killed himself in a shocking murder-suicide that unfolded Monday evening in Pasco County.
Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Troy Savetz, 47, confronted the woman at her home in Hudson. Authorities said Savetz was waiting in the woman’s front yard when she and her two children, ages 9 and 12, returned from the beach. The woman reportedly told her children to go inside and call 911 during an argument with Savetz over a television.
Pasco County Sheriff Chris Nocco stated that Savetz then took the woman's phone as she attempted to call for help. "We listened to that 911 tape and we know that your mother said to go inside, save your lives and call 911," Nocco said during a press conference. "Your mom is looking down from heaven, and she is so proud of you… You two did the right thing, you did exactly what your mom wanted you to do."
When law enforcement arrived at the woman's home around 5:30 p.m., both Savetz and the victim had already left. Police tracked a rental car, which Savetz was using, to Platinum Drive in Spring Hill, approximately six miles from the victim's residence. Inside the vehicle, officers discovered both Savetz and the woman deceased from apparent gunshot wounds.
The victim's name has not been released. Her two children are now under the care of their biological father.
Savetz had been employed by the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office for 14 years and was part of the marine unit, according to Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri. Gualtieri condemned Savetz's actions, stating, "The moment this individual committed a crime he was no longer a law enforcement officer. He was a criminal."
The motive for the murder-suicide remains under investigation.