SARASOTA, Fla. – The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office is currently conducting two related death investigations.
Deputies were notified just after 5:00 p.m. Friday of a possible battery in the 800 block of E. Seminole Drive in Venice.
The first deputy on the scene was approached by a suspect armed with a knife, who was bleeding profusely from his torso area. The deputy began making verbal commands instructing the suspect to drop the knife.
The suspect then threw the knife at the deputy and charged toward him. The deputy utilized non-lethal force and brought the suspect to the ground, utilizing the butt of his agency-issued firearm to defend himself during the attack.
Once the suspect eventually complied, deputies entered the residence to find a female suffering from several stab wounds. When paramedics arrived, lifesaving efforts were attempted on both the suspect and female, however, both were pronounced deceased.
In the news: Florida Gov. DeSantis’ Team Lights Up Social Media Over Crist’s Choice Of Running Mate
Additionally, an animal within the home was also found with several stab wounds. The animal is currently in critical condition.
The involved deputy was transported to the hospital but did not sustain any serious injuries. As the victim of an aggravated assault, the deputy’s identity is not being released at this time.
The suspect is identified as Eduardo Lopez Garcia, 48. Garcia was arrested on August 24 for Domestic Battery. He was released the next day on bond.
The female victim has been identified however; her family has opted into privacy rights afforded by Marsy’s Law. For that reason, her identity is being withheld at this time.
Based on the preliminary investigation including witness statements from neighbors and because there are no known additional suspects or victims involved in this incident, detectives believe both deaths are the result of a murder-suicide.
Like in all death investigations, official causes of death will be determined and released by the Medical Examiner’s Office.
Visit Tampafp.com for Politics, Tampa Area Local News, Sports, and National Headlines. Support journalism by clicking here to our GiveSendGo or sign up for our free newsletter by clicking here.
Android Users, Click Here To Download The Free Press App And Never Miss A Story. Follow Us On Facebook Here Or Twitter Here.
Copyright 2022 The Free Press, LLC, tampafp.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.