ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. — The St. Johns County Sheriff's Office is investigating after two Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office deputies were found dead inside of a St. Augustine home on Saturday night.
Deputies responded to the 5300 block of A1A South in reference to reports of gunshots.
Upon arrival, deputies found two people dead, according to a spokesperson with the sheriff's office.
The house was a vacation rental home, officials said.
The deputies involved were in a romantic relationship, according to a statement from the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office. Fellow deputies on vacation with them reported hearing arguing before sounds of gunshots.
Authorities say the incident is being investigated as a murder-suicide.
The preliminary investigation revealed that the gunshot wound to Detective Daniel Leyden appears to be self-inflicted and that he was the sole shooter, HCSO officials said.
Detective Leyden worked within the Criminal Investigations Division. The victim is also a deputy, assigned to Uniform Patrol District III, according to law enforcement.
This is an isolated incident and there is no danger or threat to the public.
This is an active investigation. The exact circumstances and motive of the shooting are unknown, at this time.
HCSO released a statement in response to the shooting:
"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," said Sheriff Chad Chronister.
"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."
If you have any further information about the incident, please call the St. Johns County Sheriff's Office at 904- 824-8304.