CLEARWATER, Fla. — Two people are dead in what police are calling a murder-suicide in Clearwater, the agency said in a news release.
According to officers, it happened shortly after 8 p.m. Friday at a home on Hillcreek Circle East near Landmark Drive in Clearwater. Police said 71-year-old Francis Scoza and 61-year-old Audrey Petersen had recently ended a long-term relationship.
Scoza, who is from Dunedin, reportedly went to Petersen's home Friday night and forced his way into the back of her home. Once he was inside, Scoza reportedly started shooting at Petersen as she fled the residence.
He followed her as she ran toward a neighbor's home for help. Police say Scoza shot Petersen multiple times, causing her to collapse and die outside the house.
Scoza then shot himself and died in the neighbor's yard.