A Florida real estate agent was kidnapped and murdered by her ex-boyfriend, a Pinellas County Sheriff's Deputy, who then died by suicide, authorities announced Monday. The incident occurred in front of their two young daughters.
Mandy Fackler, 39, was with her nine-year-old and 12-year-old daughters at their Hudson home after a beach outing when her ex-boyfriend, 47-year-old Deputy Troy Savetz, confronted her. Pasco County Sheriff Chris Nocco stated that an argument over Savetz's belongings escalated, leading him to abduct Fackler. He then drove her to another residence, where he shot her before turning the gun on himself.
Fackler's daughters were able to call 911 after their mother instructed them to go inside and seek help. Sheriff Nocco commended the girls' bravery, noting they provided critical information to dispatchers, including Savetz's affiliation with the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office. Pasco County deputies responded to the home, but Fackler and Savetz were not present. Fackler's truck remained in the driveway with the door ajar and her phone inside.
Authorities learned Savetz had used a rented car. A large-scale search involving K-9 units, drones, and aviation units was initiated. A ping from Savetz's phone led investigators to a house approximately six miles away. Deputies located the rental car, and a drone scan revealed the bodies of Fackler and Savetz inside. A witness reported seeing Savetz earlier that day and exchanging a thumbs-up with him, suggesting the murder-suicide occurred shortly after.
In March, Fackler had publicly shared her intention to give her relationship with Savetz another chance, expressing hope for growing together and creating a harmonious family unit for her children. However, by Monday, approximately five months later, the relationship had apparently deteriorated again.
During a press conference, Sheriff Nocco addressed the impact on Fackler's daughters, who have been placed in the care of their biological father. He spoke about the pervasive issue of domestic violence and offered words of comfort to the children, assuring them that their mother was proud of their actions to save themselves. "Your mom is looking down from Heaven, and she's so proud of you two," Nocco said.
Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri stated that Savetz had been with the department for 14 years, most recently assigned to the marine unit. Gualtieri described the crime as "inexplicable" and suggested Savetz may have been experiencing mental health issues, emphasizing that such problems do not excuse violent actions. He added, "It's just a very, very horrific, to say the least, situation."