Two Hillsborough County Sheriff's deputies were found dead Saturday evening at a vacation rental home in St. Augustine, according to a statement from the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office.
The deputies involved were in a romantic relationship and were heard arguing in a bedroom by fellow deputies that were on vacation with them, followed by the sound of gunshots, the sheriff's office said in a written statement.
The preliminary investigation shows that the gunshot wound to Det. Daniel Leyden was self-inflicted and that he was the only shooter. Leyden worked in the Criminal Investigations division, and the other deputy found dead was assigned to Uniform Patrol District III.
"Our Sheriff's Office family is still reeling from the shock of this unthinkable tragedy. My prayers for strength and comfort are with the families and loved ones of these deputies, and every member of Team HCSO affected by this painful loss," Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister said. "Violence is never a solution, and I urge any employee who is dealing with a crisis to take advantage of the many resources our agency has created over the past several years, which include Peer Support, Chaplains, and a clinical psychologist. Help is just a phone call away."
The deaths are still under investigation by the St. Johns County Sheriff's Office.