2 Florida Sheriff's deputies found dead in apparent murder-suicide while on vacation

Two Hillsborough County, Florida Sheriff’s deputies from were found dead late Saturday night in a St. Augustine vacation rental, the the law enforcement agency reported.

The two deputies, who were reportedly romantically involved with another were overhead having a heated argument in a bedroom, overheard by other deputies who were vacationing with the pair. Suddenly in the midst of their clashing, the other deputies heard gunfire, according to a statement from the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office.

The incident occurred about 10:00 p.m. in the 5300 block of Florida’s famous A1A coastline highway, according to the statement.

Investigators have so far determined that the shooter was a detective, Daniel Leyden from the department’s special Criminal Investigations Unit. Leyden’s wounds, which were apparently self-inflicted suggested to law enforcement officials he may have killed the other deputy and then himself, the Orlando Sentinel reported. The identity of the other officer is unknown.

However, the Hillsborough County Sherriff’s Office said the victim was assigned to Uniform Patrol District III. The incident is being investigated by a neighboring Sheriff's Office from St. Johns County.

“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 in a departmental statement. “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 St. Johns County Sheriff's Office has asked the public to report any additional information about the incident by calling police at 904-824-8304.

If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255), text "STRENGTH" to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741 or go to suicidepreventionlifeline.org.