A tragic incident unfolded in Pasco County when a Pinellas County sheriff’s deputy kidnapped his ex-girlfriend in front of her two young daughters. The 39-year-old real estate agent and the 47-year-old deputy were found dead inside a rental car after the deputy shot both himself and Fackler. Authorities say the kidnapping occurred at their Hudson home where an argument over belongings escalated into violence. Deputy Savetz drove Fackler to Spring Hill before the fatal shooting took place. The children, ages 9 and 12, bravely called 911 from inside their home while their father was taken away by deputies. Sheriff officials expressed deep sorrow for the family and emphasized that mental health issues cannot justify such heinous acts. Community resources were provided to support those affected by this devastating loss of life.
Facts
- Pinellas County sheriff’s deputy Troy Savetz kidnapped his ex-girlfriend Mandy Fackler in front of her two daughters at their Hudson home on August 10.
- Savetz drove Fackler to Spring Hill where he shot both himself and Fackler before being found dead inside a rental car.
- The two children, ages 9 and 12, bravely called 911 from inside the house while Savetz took their mother’s phone.
- Pasco deputies secured the home and children after discovering Fackler’s truck with an open door and nearby phone.
- Pinellas Sheriff Bob Gualtieri stated that mental health issues cannot justify killing someone and taking one’s own life.
