Two Florida Sheriff's Deputies Found Dead in Apparent Murder-Suicide
Two Hillsborough Sheriff’s deputies were found dead after a suspected murder-suicide in a vacation home in St. Augustine. The St. John’s County Sheriff’s Office says they are investigating the Saturday night shooting.
Officials with the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office say their preliminary investigation showed the gunshot wound which killed Detective Daniel Leyden seems to be self-inflicted. The victim has not yet been identified, but were involved in a romantic relationship according to the Orlando Sentinel.
Other deputies who were on vacation with the pair reported hearing arguing before hearing the sound of gunshots. According to a neighbor, the police were using megaphones and calling for someone named Daniel to come out of the house with his hands up. Thirty minutes later neighbors began receiving phone calls to stay in their homes according to News4Jax.
Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister said in a statement that: "Our Sheriff's Office family is still reeling from the shock of this unthinkable tragedy. My prayers for strength and comfort are with the families and loved ones of these deputies, and every member of Team HCSO affected by this painful loss.” He then went on to state violence was never a solution, and that help is just a phone call away.
Authorities have asked if anyone has additional information to add to the case to call the St. John’s County Sheriff’s Office at 904-824-8304.
If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255), text "STRENGTH" to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741 or online at suicidepreventionlifeline.org.
