Spring Hill man shoots, kills neighbor during loud music dispute: HCSO
SPRING HILL, Fla. - One man is dead, and his neighbor is accused of killing him after Hernando County deputies say a dispute over loud music led to gunfire in Spring Hill on Tuesday.
The backstory:
According to the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office, a 911 call was made shortly after 4:30 p.m., reporting that a man was bleeding from his arm in the area of Gillian Circle, and they weren’t sure what happened.
Crews with Hernando County Fire Rescue immediately began life-saving measures on the victim, Francis Biegaj, 52, who was taken to an area hospital and died.
Deputies said that Biegaj appeared to have been shot in the left shoulder. They also noted shell casings in the driveway and determined that foul play was likely involved.
A witness reportedly told deputies that they heard multiple gunshots and saw the suspect, Tony Deuser, 51, walking away from Biegaj’s home toward a nearby residence carrying what appeared to be a pistol.
Deputies went to that nearby residence where Deuser lived and was believed to be located and tried to get in touch with anyone who may be inside.
After trying several times unsuccessfully to get him and any other occupant to exit the home, HCSO’s SWAT team responded and Deuser eventually came out and was taken into custody.
Dig deeper:
Deputies said Deuser told them that he became upset with Biegaj and confronted him over loud music coming from his buggy.
When Biegaj refused to turn the music down, deputies say Deuser left, then returned moments later and shot him.
Deuser is being charged with second-degree murder.
He is being held without bond.
A quiet neighborhood in Hernando County is reeling after what neighbors describe as a sudden and senseless act of violence.
What they're saying:
Neighbor Dale Jarbis says loud music from Biegaj’s buggy wasn’t unusual, often playing for short bursts throughout the day.
But what happened next left him stunned.
"It’s just one of those things. I don’t get it," Jarbis said.
Jarbis described Biegaj as a generous and kind person, someone who frequently helped others, even giving away money and cars to those in need.
"Fran was… he had a heart of gold. He’d give anybody anything," Jarbis said.
Neighbors say Biegaj had recently upgraded the sound system in his buggy and was preparing for a camping trip. Playing music from the vehicle was something those nearby had grown used to.
Why you should care:
What started as a common neighborhood complaint escalated into deadly violence — a reminder of how quickly everyday conflicts can turn tragic.
What you can do:
Anyone with information on this case is asked to contact Hernando County Crime Stoppers at 1-866-990-TIPS (8477) or **TIPS from a cell phone.
The Source: This article was written with information posted on social media by the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office, a press release from the agency, on-scene reporting and exclusive interviews with a neighbor who witnessed the aftermath.