Florida deputy killed ex-girlfriend over a TV, then himself, sheriff says

This story discusses suicide. If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, please contact the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

A Florida sheriffs deputy honored multiple times for his bravery, dedication and compassion killed a former girlfriend and then himself Monday after an argument over a television.

If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

The victim was identified by friends as Mandy Fackler, who leaves behind two children, 12 and 9, Fox Tampa reported.

Deputy Troy Savetz had been with the for 14 years and was a member of the marine unit.

He and the victim had an "on-again-off-again, tumultuous relationship," Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri said in a news conference.

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Savetz, 47, was waiting outside Fackler's home when she and her children returned from a day at the beach at about 5:30 p.m. He brandished a gun and was angry about "wanting his TV set back," Gualtieri said.

When the victim tried to call 911, Savetz took her phone. Thats when she told her two children to go inside.

They did as they were told. And they never saw her again.

The children were "extremely brave," calling 911 and giving dispatchers everything needed to identify the suspect, Pasco County Sheriff Chris Nocco told reporters.

When authorities arrived at the home, they saw the mothers vehicle with the door wide open and they found her phone, Nocco said.

"At that point, they realize that she's no longer there" at the residence, he said.

Officers sprang into action using K-9 teams, drones, and aviation units, searching for the vehicle Savetz was driving when he carried the victim away, Nocco said.

About 90 minutes after the altercation began, authorities found the vehicle in nearby Spring Hill. Officers approached with a drone and saw two people inside.

When they reached the car on foot, they found Savetz and his victim dead.

"We're not sure when and at what point" , Nocco said.

The children, now with their biological father, were unharmed in the incident.

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They "should be starting off this week getting ready for school," Nocco said. Instead, theyre "starting off this week getting ready for a sad life without their mother."

He praised the children for their bravery and obedience in such a critical moment.

"I know eventually there's going to be a point in your life where you're going to go back and listen to all the videos and read all the reports, " Nocco said.

"So please hear this directly from us: We listened to that , and we know that your mother said to go inside to save your lives and to call 911. You did exactly what your mom asked you to do.

"Know this: Your mom is looking down from heaven, and she's so proud of you two … So know that you two did the r