Florida authorities are investigating the deaths of two sheriff’s deputies who were found dead in a vacation home Saturday night.
The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office released a statement saying two off-duty deputies died by apparent murder-suicide. A preliminary investigation showed that one of the deceased, Detective Daniel Leyden, died by a self-inflicted gunshot wound and was the “sole shooter” of the unidentified victim. The two were in a romantic relationship, according to the statement.
“Our Sheriff’s Office family is still reeling from the shock of this unthinkable tragedy,” said Hillsborough Sheriff Chad Chronister. “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.”
OTTAWA POLICE URGE LOCALS TO STAY HOME AS TRUCKERS PROTEST VACCINE MANDATES
Other deputies on vacation heard Leyden and the victim arguing in the bedroom of the rental in St. Augustine prior to the sound of gunshots. Leyden worked within the Criminal Investigations Division in the sheriff’s office, with the victim assigned to Uniform Patrol District III. The circumstances and motive in the deputies’ deaths remain under investigation by the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Department, as the crime occurred in St. Johns County, according to the statement.
A neighbor of the vacation house, Kieran Wallace, told News4Jax he heard police using megaphones, asking for someone named Daniel to “come out with his hands up.” Wallace said he received a phone call around 30 minutes later telling residents to “lock our doors and stay inside.”
A spokesperson for the sheriff’s office told the outlet the shooting was an isolated incident and there is no threat to the public.
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER
The Hillsborough Sheriff’s Office was not able to reveal the identity of the other deputy to the Washington Examiner.
