Teenager Finds Bodies Of Parents

"LARGO, FL — A 16-year-old girl arrived home Thursday afternoon to find the bodies of her parents, who died in what police are calling a murder-suicide.

"About 2:30 p.m., she arrived at 13156 Thoroughbred Loop and discovered Rochelle Tatrai and Sean Ray, both 46, dead of apparent gunshot wounds, Largo police said. She went outside and flagged down a utility worker, who called 911.

"Tatrai was the president and CEO of Gulf Coast Jewish Family and Community Services, recently in the news as it sought to expand a Pasco County shelter to accommodate young immigrant boys fleeing violence in South and Central America.

"Detectives could not determine Thursday who was the shooter, and a motive was not released.

"`This is a very unfortunate, sad incident that happened, especially this time of year,` said Lt. Stephen Slaughter, `and we'll continue our investigation.`

"Police said Tatrai and Ray had been in a relationship, though it was unclear Thursday if they were married. They have another daughter, who is 20 years old. Ray did not live with Tatrai at the townhome just south of Ulmerton Road, where crime scene technicians removed several pets, including cats and a dog."

From tampabay.com...

Police Gather Evidence After Elderly Couple Found Dead

"MIAMI SPRINGS, FL — Police discovered two bodies Saturday afternoon inside a Miami Springs home.

"`Two elderly people are dead in what looks like a murder/suicide,` said a Miami-Dade County police officer, speaking on condition of anonymity as officials started an investigation.

"An concerned relative, who lives out of state, called police Saturday and asked them to check on local family members, police said. When police arrived around noon, they discovered two dead bodies.

"Homicide detectives are gathering evidence at the home on 741 Swan Avenue which, county records show, is owned by Richard and Doris Gardinier.

"As of late Saturday afternoon, police continue to investigate the cause of death."

From miamiherald.com...

Woman Charged With Murder After Failed Suicide

"MARCO ISLAND, FL &Mdash; A 24-year-old Marco Island woman accused of killing her boyfriend, tried to kill herself before seeking help, reports show.

"Lisa Troemner admitted to deputies she tried to kill herself after fatally stabbing her 30-year-old boyfriend Trevor Smith.

"Troemner was taken to Physicians Regional Hospital Tuesday morning where she was treated for a self-inflicted stab wound to her neck.

"Arrest reports show Troemner told deputies she and Smith had been arguing for days leading up to the stabbing. For the past two days, the arguments had become more serious and, at points, physical.

"Troemner said she woke the morning of the stabbing to Smith calling her offensive names in bed.

"After the killing, Troemner walked to the 7-Eleven near the couple’s Park Avenue apartment. A clerk there called 911 and deputies arrived on scene.

"Troemner is being held on second-degree murder charges."

From naplesnews.com...

Cat And Dog Orphaned After Shooting

"GULFPORT, FL &mdahs; On the morning of November 9 Gulfport police discovered an apparent murder/suicide at 4737 Coronado Way in Gulfport.

"Gulfport Police Officer Ray Marshall responded to a neighbor’s call for a welfare check on Julia and Gordon Champion, both 80. Six days of newspapers in the front yard prompted the check. Marshall entered the property through an unlocked door, where he found the elderly couple dead.

"Police say both victims appear to have died from gunshot wounds.

“`All leads thus far do point to murder/suicide,` Gulfport Police Public Information Officer Tom Woodman said.

"Neighbors tell the Gabber they believe Mrs. Champion may have shown signs of Alzheimer’s disease. Police are awaiting a doctor’s verification on this.

"Also found in the home was an elderly dachshund. Neighbors took possession of the dachshund and a local Gulfport couple says they are prepared to adopt the dog if the Champions’ son, who lives in New York, does not want it.

"Also found at the scene was a cat, allegedly shut in a room. Pinellas County Animal Services took possession of the cat Sunday.

"Police would not say if the couple left a note. The case remains under investigation."

From thegabber.com...

Murder Suspect Shoots Himself During Traffic Stop

"MEMPHIS, TN — Memphis Police said with the help of the Orange County, Florida, Sheriff positively identified the man who fatally shot himself Monday evening during a traffic stop near Sam Cooper Boulevard as Sean Petrozzino, the 30-year-old quadruple amputee who was a person of interest in the Nov. 4 death of his parents in Florida.

"According to Memphis Police report just before 6 p.m. on Nov. 10 an officer on routine patrol observed a red Toyota Camry make an illegal U-turn at Sam Cooper and Tillman. The officer got behind the vehicle southbound on Vandalia near Nathan and activated his blue lights and siren in an attempt to stop the vehicle.

"After the Camry stopped, the officer got out of his cruiser and started to approach the car. The officer then heard what appeared to be a gunshot from inside of the vehicle. The driver, identified as Mr. Petrozzino, was found slumped over with an apparent gunshot wound to the head and was pronounced deceased on the scene.

"MPD said the officer found a black semi-automatic pistol in the front seat of the Camry. Upon further investigation, officers discovered that the tags on the victim's vehicle did not belong to the vehicle. The VIN (vehicle identification number) did show that the Camry was registered to a Orange County, Florida couple who were the victims of a homicide on Nov. 4.

"Homicide detectives with the Orange County Sheriff were notified and traveled to Memphis after telling MPD that Mr. Petrozzino was a suspect in the deaths of his parents."

Read more at FOX4 Dallas-Fort Worth...

Robbery Was Motive In Double Murder/Suicide

"STUART, FL — Investigators now think they know the motive behind a double murder/suicide in Martin County.

"Gloria Bono and her son Michael were found shot to death inside a mansion in the Stuart Yacht and Country Club Monday November 10th.

"Investigators think 32-year-old Robert Gulick killed them before taking his own life.

"Detectives believe Michael and Robert were friends and that Robert knew that Michael carried large amounts of cash with him at all times.

"Sunday morning Robert asked Michael to come to a mansion where Gulick was working as a handyman.

"Unable to drive himself because of a suspended license, Michael had his mother drive him.

"She and her son were never seen leaving.

"Gulick was later found dead in a hotel room from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

"Gloria Bono's SUV was also parked at the hotel.

"Inside the hotel where Gulick’s body was discovered detectives say they found narcotics and a large amount of cash.

"They say it appears the motive for the double murder was robbery.

"Investigators say Gloria and Michael were killed with the same type of weapon that the mansion owner, who lives in another state, keeps in her home.

"Investigators have ordered ballistic tests on the weapon."

From wptv.com...

Mom Tries To Poison Kids, Self With Toilet Bowl Cleaner

"PORT ORANGE, FL — Port Orange mother who was arrested after she allegedly made her children drink toilet bowl cleaner is being held without bond at the Volusia County Jail.

"Officers were dispatched to the woman's home on Timber Trail around 10:30 a.m. Saturday.

"`There was like seven police cars lined up here,` said neighbor Dan Yankun.

"According to police, 29-year-old Amelia West had tried to harm herself by drinking toilet cleaner. While investigating, officers learned West had made her 2-year-old and 3-month-old children also drink the toilet cleaner, police said.

"`Thankfully the children are OK. This could have been much worse,` said Department of Children and Families spokesperson John Harrell.

"The children were checked out at Halifax Health Medical Center and later released from the hospital.

"It's unclear what prompted the suicide attempt, police said. DCF is also involved in the investigation.

"`Our work is far from over and we want to find out if there had been any other concerns regarding these children,` said Harrell.

"West was arrested and charged with two counts of attempted murder and two counts of aggravated child abuse.

"`We would be opposed to the mother having any unsupervised contact with these children, given the serious nature of these allegations,` said Harrell.

"West appeared before a judge at the jail Sunday morning and was denied bond."

From wftc.com...

Two Dead In Group Home Shooting

"APOPKA, FL — Deputies said a woman shot and killed a man and then herself after storming into an independent living facility in Apopka on Wednesday.

"Neighbors said they heard a lot of screaming and yelling coming from the home known as Hoepfinger's Hideaway on Apopka Boulevard, but said they were used to the commotion. They had no idea an apparent murder-suicide had just taken place inside.

"Authorities said Eva McDermid, 43, pulled up, went into the residence and shot and killed Markeith Pope, 43, before turning the gun on herself.

"`Scary, but doesn't surprise me,` said neighbor Samantha Dowd.

"Several men and women struggling with mental illnesses live in the multi-unit home.

"`It's something to help them, because they are, you know, on medication and so forth,` said one worker.

"The woman who found the bodies said she was devastated.

“`I proceeded to see him on the couch with a bullet wound to the head. It was like a really bad scene out of 'CSI',` said Kim Snelling.

"The nature of McDermid's and Pope’s relationship is unclear.

"Emergency personnel said they know the house well, saying ambulances and police are constantly called.

"[Sources reveal] deputies were called to the home nearly 40 times this year for issues ranging from battery to mental distress.

"`One of them came over here one time and said her roommate beat her up,` said Dowd.

"Authorities still are trying to determine a motive in Wednesday's killing."

From wftv.com...

Bodies Found In Florida Church

"GRETNA, FL — It's a house of worship, but Gretna's Glory Apostolic Faith Temple is also the site of an apparent murder/suicide complete with crime scene tape circling the property.

"`Little small town like this, you wouldn't expect something like this to happen because it's a close knit community,` said Gretna native Marvin Cloud.

"Cloud says he helped build the dining room building next to the church 30 years ago.

"It's apparently where the bodies were found.

"Cloud also said he helped put blocks around the pastor's trailer.

"The gate leading to that home is also currently blocked off with crime scene tape.

"Gretna Police Chief Carlos De La Cruz says the two deceased people are a man and a woman.

"But at this point, he's not saying who they are or how the suspected murder/suicide unfolded.

"`We believe that one of the victims is a suspect, so there's no reason for the community to be in fear. We feel they are safe at this point and the situation is contained,` said Chief De La Cruz.

"Chief De La Cruz says one reason he hasn't released the names of the two people is he hasn't been able to reach the man's family members who live out of state.

"He also says the woman's family members don't want her name released at this time.

"Autopsy results are pending."

From wctv.com...

Lovers' Spat Leaves One Dead, One Hospitalized

"SEBRING, FL — An 85-year-old man is suspected of murdering the woman he was dating and then shooting himself on Thursday, according to a press release from the Highlands County Sheriff’s Office.

"Deputies had responded about 6:14 p.m. to a call about a deceased person at 1611 Willow Dale and found Phyllis Lent, 82, dead at the scene, the press release said. Then they found John Young, 85, lying in the carport area at 3008 DeSoto Road, the release said.

"Young had an apparent self-inflicted gun shot wound and was transported a hospital in Lakeland where was listed Friday morning in critical, but stable condition, the release said.

"A verbal argument may have led to the situation, the release said. Young and Lent had been dating, the released added."

From highlandstoday.com...

Two Kids Dead After Dad Goes Nuclear

"PORT ORANGE, FL — A Florida father fatally shot two of his children and critically injured a third early Friday morning, authorities said.

"David Mohney, 52, and two of his children, 14-year-old Savanna and 11-year-old David, died in the tragic murder/suicide, according to the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office.

"His remaining daughter, 9-year-old Lauren, was taken to Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children in Orlando where she is currently in critical condition.

"The father had been fighting with his wife, Cynthia Mohney, an emergency nurse, in their home on Jackson Lane in Port Orange before reaching for his gun, according to police.

"Cynthia Mohney, 48, fled to a neighbor’s home to seek safety and help, saying a couple’s quarrel had spiraled out of control and her husband turned violent.

"`She said her husband had threatened her with a gun,` Volusia County Sheriff’s Officer Gary Davidson told [reporters].

"Deputies from the Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to the scene after receiving a call about the incident about 5:11 a.m.

"Shortly after, gunshots rang out from inside the home at 1927 Jackson Lane, according to a release from the office.

"Police say they found Mohney on the kitchen floor with a handgun by his side, the daughters in an upstairs bedroom together and the son in a ground floor bedroom.

"David and Savanna were pronounced dead at Halifax Health Medical Center in Daytona Beach.

"A source told [reporters] that Mohney is a retired military man who moved his family to Port Orange, a city just south of Daytona Beach, about seven years ago so he could study at Palmer College of Chiropractic."

Source: New York Daily News...

Shooting Cancels Divorce Process

"JAY, FL — The Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office has released the names of two people involved in an apparent murder/suicide near Jay early Thursday morning.

"The Sheriff’s Office received a call reporting a shooting at 3771 Nowling Road at 5:56 a.m., and deputies were on scene within three minutes.

"Deputies found two deceased individuals—a male and a female—inside the residence. A spokesperson for the Sheriff’s Office said the incident was domestic violence related.

"The victims were identified as 41-year old Misty Wright Herring and 43-year old Max Bruce Herring. According to court records, the two were in the process of getting a divorce.

"The shooting appeared to have occurred sometime during the overnight hours. Misty had two children from a previous marriage. Lt. Leeland Butcher said the children were not involved in the shooting and are being cared for by relatives.

"Investigators were also seen combing through a truck in the parking lot of the Moore Creek-Mt Carmel Utilities company, a short distance from the scene. Investigators removed at lease one weapon, a long gun, from the vehicle. The vehicle reportedly belonged to one of the victims.

"The incident remains under investigation."

From northescambia.com...

Missing Pair Found Dead In Home

"ORLANDO, FL — Investigators believe a deadly shooting in Orange County was the result of a murder-suicide.

"The bodies of a 52-year-old Theodore Riker and a 32-year-old Malinda Roberts were found in a home on 9402 5th Avenue Wednesday night in Taft, deputies said.

"Investigators said Riker and Malinda, who were each shot to death, had not been heard from in several days and neighbors reported seeing their dog running loose in the neighborhood. Deputies arrived at the home in response to a well-being call.

"A suicide note was found in the bedroom where the bodies were discovered, deputies said.

"Investigators said they are not sure how long the couple had been dead.

"Deputies said there was no recorded history of violent incidents stemming from the home,

"`We have no history of calls here, but some of the neighbors say there was a history of arguing at that house,` said Lt. Paul Hopkins with the Orange County Sheriff’s Office.

"Investigators have not said which person they believe was the shooter.

"Deputies said they are not looking for any suspects in the case because it is believed the shooter is one of the deceased."

From wesh.com...

Recently Divorced Couple Found Dead In Apartment

"JACKSONVILLE, FL — The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office is investigating an apparent murder/suicide after an estranged couple were found dead Wednesday inside an apartment on the Southside.

"A relative found Lori Ann Sallas, 42, and ex-husband Daniel Curt Sallas, 43, dead inside the woman’s apartment at the Elements at Belle Rive at 10010 Belle Rive Blvd., police said.

"The relative went looking for Lori Sallas because he hadn’t heard from her in a while and authorities at the complex let him into the apartment to check on the woman, said Sgt. Dan Janson.

"Officers responded to the scene about 12:40 p.m. and found a gun in the apartment along with the bodies, Janson said.

"Daniel Curt Sallas has been arrested twice in the last two years on domestic-violence charges. The two were recently divorced but had been seeing each other on and off, police said.

"The incident is under investigation but it appears Daniel Sallas shot his former wife and then himself, according to police.

"Janson said it looks like the shooting happened sometime in the 24 hours before the two bodies were found."

From jacksonville.com...

Old Grudge Ends In Wal-Mart Parking Lot

"YULEE, FL — A grudge ignited nearly a decade ago over a job loss exploded into violence Tuesday that ended with one man killed in a Wal-Mart parking lot and the other dead of a self-inflicted gunshot wound to his head.

"Allen James Fourtunia, 59, blamed supervisors for losing his job at Kings Bay Naval Submarine Base in 2005, and a random encounter Tuesday with one of those bosses ended in death, according to the Nassau County Sheriff’s Office.

"Investigators said Fourtunia ran over Steven G. Swan, 53, in the parking lot of a super Wal-Mart on Florida 200 in Yulee, so angry that he got out of his car and kicked and punched Swan before driving off. Swan was taken to UF Health Jacksonville where he died.

"His exact cause of death was not immediately available.

"Following the assault, Fourtunia drove off and was followed by witnesses to his home on Arrigo Boulevard in the Nassau Lakes subdivision.

"He shot at the witnesses when three cars pulled up behind him, investigators said. No one was hurt, but the shots drew nearby deputies who then exchanged gunfire with Fourtunia.

"He killed himself inside the house. Investigators found evidence there that Fourtunia had been suicidal for some time, said Undersheriff George Lueders."

Read more at jacksonville.com...

Elderly, Divorcing Couple Found Dead

"THE VILLAGES, FL — The Sumter County Sheriff’s Office is investigating what they believe to be a murder/suicide of an elderly couple in the Villages.

"Detectives believe the two are the occupants of the 1669 Oak Forest Drive home, who were found dead by deputies Friday evening. Their names have not been released pending notification of next of kin.

"Lt. Bobby Caruthers, sheriff’s spokesman, said friends of the woman came to the sheriff’s office about 11 a.m. Friday to report they hadn’t seen her since Wednesday.

"Caruthers added the friends said the couple were going through a divorce.

"It’s not clear if the doors were locked when deputies first approached the home Friday. But Caruthers said deputies had to get a search warrant and were able to get inside the one-story home just after 6 p.m., where they found the man lying face down surrounded by blood on the bathroom floor.

"When they turned him over, a .38 caliber handgun fell out his hand and it appeared he died of a self-inflicted gunshot to the head.

"Caruthers said the woman was found face down on the bedroom floor and it wasn’t clear how she died.

"Caruthers said investigators believe the deaths occurred sometime Thursday due to that day’s newspaper being inside the home and Friday’s newspaper still outside. He said autopsies will be performed on both."

Source: Daily Commercial...

Deputies Serve Warrant On Dead Woman

"MELBOURNE, FL — Two people were found dead Thursday in what appears to be a murder/suicide, according to Brevard County sheriff's investigators.

"Investigators said the bodies were found inside a home on Sapphire Street, just east of Interstate 95 near Melbourne.

"According to investigators, deputies went to the home to serve a warrant on Kayla Hemby, 26,and found her body and the body of Michael Barker, 42, in the home.

"They said the two appeared to have died from gunshot wounds sometime Thursday.

"`Both of them do have a history with us,` said Tod Goodyear, of the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office.

"Two elderly women who live in the home were not hurt."

From wftv.com...

Bodies Found On Covered Pedestrian Bridge

"SUNRISE, FL — Sunrise police are still trying to determine what led to the deaths of two people Tuesday evening at a retirement community.

"Police were called to 2851 Sunrise Lakes Drive East just before 8 p.m. When they arrived they found two bodies outside of an apartment building. The bodies of a man and woman were found on a covered bridge in the back of the buildings.

"Police have identified the couple as Emma Dominguez, 71, and her boyfriend 72-year old David Colon of Tamarac.

"According to neighbors Dominguez was known in the community as a vibrant woman who was frequently seen walking for exercise.

"Police spokesman Cindi McCue said early indications are that it may have been a murder-suicide. McCue confirmed that they are not looking for anyone in connection with the deaths."

From CBS Miami...

Estranged Couple Found Dead In Florida Home

"NORTH PORT, FL — Police have released the identities of the two people found dead in a North Port home Wednesday that is believed to have been a murder/suicide.

"The incident happened around 9am Wednesday morning at home on 2447 Florida Terrace. According to the North Port Police Department, a 911 call came reporting a domestic disturbance at that address. Arriving officers discovered a dead female and male.

"Thursday, police identified the deceased as 43-year-old Heidi DeCarlo and 53-year-old Bush Bena. Police say that the couple were separated and living apart.

"A full investigation is still under way, and more details are to come."

From wtxl.com...

Sheriff Identifies Couple Found Dead In Home

"SOUTHPORT, FL — SOUTHPORT — John Steve Bowen shot Donna Maria Merendino twice before turning the gun on himself at their home on 1327 10th St, according to preliminary findings released by the Bay County Sheriff’s Office on Monday.

"Autopsies were completed on Monday and a forensic analysis by the BCSO Crime Scene Unit corroborated the preliminary findings.

"Bowen, 46, killed Merendino, 44, with two shots from a short-barrel shotgun on Friday before killing himself, the BCSO reported. Toxicology reports are still pending."

From the News Herald...