Florida deputy kills ex in hostage standoff

A Florida deputy who had been waiting outside his ex-girlfriend’s home allegedly kidnapped and killed her after she told her two children to get inside and call 911. The case ended in a murder-suicide Monday evening in Hudson and Spring Hill, leaving two children without their mother and prompting a sharp rebuke from law enforcement leaders.

Authorities said Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Troy Savetz, 47, was in the woman’s front yard when she and her children, ages nine and 12, returned from the beach. As an argument began over a television Savetz wanted back, the woman told the children to run inside and call for help. When she tried to reach out for help herself, Savetz took her phone, according to officials. Pasco County Sheriff Chris Nocco said investigators listened to the 911 recording and wanted the children to understand that their mother put their safety first.

“We listened to that 911 tape and we know that your mother said to go inside, save your lives and call 911,” Nocco said at a Monday night news conference. He added, “Your mom is looking down from heaven, and she is so proud of you… You two did the right thing, you did exactly what your mom wanted you to do.” Nocco later said the children are now with their biological father. He also noted that the children should have been preparing for school this week instead of grieving their mother.