A deputy in Florida killed two women and a girl, then committed suicide, Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister told reporters on Wednesday. The victims were believed to be the killer’s relatives, but investigators must still confirm their identities. Next of kin notifications were ongoing.
The deputy, who remains publicly unidentified as of the afternoon, called dispatch, and said that he hurt his family members, according to Chronister. He gave the addresses to two residences where this happened, and said he was going to take his own life at Plant City High School. Three other deputies found him near the school on the east side, just outside of campus property. They attempted to talk him out of it, but he took his life anyway, the sheriff said.
Chronister said that a woman and a female child were found at one residence, while a second woman was found at a different location.
The deputy belonged to the sheriff’s office since 1991, and retired two years ago, he said. Because of the Parkland mass shooting, the man was rehired during the summer in a temporary guard position at one of the local elementary schools. Officials recently decided to make this permanent.
Chronister said that there was “no indication” from the deputy of behavioral issues. He cited excellence recommendations and job evaluations.
The investigation remains ongoing. Chronister did not present an alleged motive, but mentioned that the deputy discussed having health and financial problems while on that final morning dispatch call. The sheriff said they could not verify those issues at this time, and that nothing financially popped up in their recent background check to rehire him.
[Image via Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office]