Officials: Man killed terminally ill wife, stepdaughter before taking his own life in Florida

TAMPA, Fla. — A man killed his terminally ill wife and stepdaughter before taking his own life on Wednesday in Florida, according to law enforcement officials.

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WFLA says the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office were called out to a home in Tampa Wednesday around 6:15 a.m. There, they found three dead people. HCSO’s Sheriff Chad Chronister said on Facebook that the scene appeared to be an apparent double murder-suicide.

HCSO says their office received a call from Thomas Shultz, 64, just before they arrived at the home. Schultz told dispatch that he felt stuck, saw no way out and was planning to commit suicide. Once they got to the home, deputies found him dead in the backyard. Deputies went inside and found a woman in her 80s, and another woman in her 50s dead from gunshot injuries. The Associated Press says relatives told deputies that both women were terminally ill.

“There is no such thing as an ‘impossible situation.’ There is always hope, and there is always help. This tragedy has occurred during the month of May, Mental Health Awareness Month. I am urging anyone in crisis to please seek help. There are a number of resources available in our community, including the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay. Simply call 211,” said Sheriff Chronister.

Mental Health Awareness Month resources: How can family and friends help someone in need?

WFLA says a motive had not been determined. The HCSO is continuing to investigate.

Note: If you or someone you know is thinking of harming themselves, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline provides free support at 1-800-273-8255. Beginning July 16, 2022, U.S. residents can also be connected to the Lifeline by dialing 988. For more about risk factors and warning signs, visit the organization’s official website.

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