Pasco County deputies are investigating the deaths of a Pinellas County deputy and his ex-girlfriend as a suspected murder-suicide following a domestic dispute. The incident began around 5:30 p.m. on Monday when Deputy Troy Savetz, 47, encountered his ex-girlfriend returning home from the beach with their two children. An argument ensued over a television set, during which the deputy allegedly took her phone away while she instructed her children to call 911. When Pasco deputies arrived at the scene in Spring Hill, they could not locate either individual inside the residence or vehicle. Later that evening, officers discovered both bodies inside a rented car near Platinum Drive after tracking its location through surveillance data. Sheriff Chris Nocco stated that this appears to be an isolated incident with no current public safety threat, though he emphasized the tragic loss of two children who must now begin their school year without their mother.
Facts
- Pinellas County Deputy Troy Savetz, 47, and his ex-girlfriend were found dead in a rented car near Platinum Drive in Spring Hill.
- The incident began after an argument over a TV set when the deputy encountered his ex-girlfriend returning home with their two children.
- Deputies secured the victim’s two children, ages 12 and 9, who are currently under the custody of their biological father.
- Sheriff Chris Nocco stated there is no current public safety threat and described the incident as isolated.
- Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri noted that Deputy Savetz had worked for his office for 14 years with prior experience from the Saint Louis Police Department.
