A well-known St. Petersburg couple was found dead of an apparent murder suicide inside their home Friday night.

  • Gary and Marie Stempinski found by police conducting a welfare check
  • Gary Stempinski a 25-year veteran of the St. Pete Police, executive at Raymond James
  • Marie Stempinski marketing expert, found of Strategic Communications

Police responded to a home in the 700 block of 35th Avenue North late Friday for a welfare check. That’s when they found the bodies of Gary and Marie Stempinski.

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Neighbors described the couple as extremely kind.

"I just couldn't believe it," said neighbor Marilyn Marshick. "Things like that just don't happen in this neighborhood, it's a big shock to me."

Gary Stempinski, 69, was a 25-year-veteran of the St. Petersburg Police Department. Stempinski worked as the Associative Vice President of Investments at Raymond James since 2008.

He appeared several times on Bay News 9 over the years as a financial expert.

Marie Stempinski, 72, was a marketing expert and founder of Strategic Communications. Both Gary and Marie were involved in several different community organizations.

Neighbors said the couple will be sorely missed.

"They were very interested in our neighborhood and how everyone was doing, kind of checking in so it's just setting in for everyone at this point," neighbor Mark Centeno said.

Few details have been released on the circumstances surrounding the couple's death. The St. Petersburg Police Department is still investigating.