Spring Hill murder-suicide: Pinellas deputy kills ex-girlfriend over TV set argument

SPRING HILL, Fla. - A Pinellas County deputy is accused of killing his ex-girlfriend before taking his own life after an argument over a TV set on Monday. 

Pasco Sheriff Chris Nocco and Pinellas Sheriff Bob Gualtieri held a news conference late Monday evening detailing the murder-suicide investigation that involves Pinellas Deputy Troy Savetz. 

Hudson domestic dispute

What we know:

Nocco said this began unfolding Monday when the victim was returning to her Hudson home, in the Phyllis Lane area, with her two kids, ages 9 and 12, after a beach trip. When they returned, though, Nocco said Savetz — who was reportedly armed with a gun — was there and started arguing with the mother about a TV set. 

That's when she told her kids to go inside the home and call 911. Deputies responded to the home, but Nocco said the victim and Savetz were gone. 

Later, Pasco deputies said they found the victim and Savetz dead inside a rented car in the 16855 block of Platinum Drive in Spring Hill. 

The victim's children were not injured during this incident, and Nocco said they are now with their biological father. 

Unanswered timeline details

What we don't know:

The name of the victim was not immediately released by Pasco Sheriff's Office. It's also unclear when Savetz killed the victim and took his own life. 

Sheriffs' reaction

What they're saying:

Nocco called this case sad, and praised the children during the news conference for calling 911 and listening to their mother when she said to go inside. While investigators don't believe Savetz wanted to harm the victim's kids, both sheriffs said he put them in harms way during this incident. 

"The moment this individual committed a crime, he was no longer a law enforcement officer. He was a criminal," Nocco said. 

"Mental health issues are a problem, but you don't kill somebody, and it's inexcusable," Gualtieri said. 

Who is Troy Savetz?

Dig deeper:

Savetz, 47, has been a deputy with Pinellas County Sheriff's Office for 14 years and was assigned to the marine unit, according to Gualtieri. He also had prior experience with the St. Louis Police Department before starting at the sheriff's office. 

The sheriffs said it does appear Savetz and the victim had an on-again, off-again relationship. Gualtieri said there was no excuse for the deputy's actions. 

"He was there because he wanted his TV set back," Gualtieri said. "This is an argument over a TV set. Obviously, it's deeper than that, but for that to spark him to decide he's going to take his gun, kidnap her, shoot her and kill her and have her kids experience that over whatever relationship issues and the spark was a TV set. It's just horrible."

If you or a loved one is feeling distressed, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. The crisis center provides free and confidential emotional support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to civilians and veterans. If you or someone you know needs support now, call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org.