Clearwater shooting: Man, woman dead in domestic-related incident

A domestic-related shooting on Friday night in Clearwater left two individuals dead, according to authorities. The incident occurred in the 2300 block of Hillcreek Circle East, where police responded to multiple calls reporting gunfire at approximately 8:15 p.m.

Upon arrival, law enforcement discovered the bodies of a man and a woman at the scene. Subsequent investigations revealed that the shooting was not a random act, but rather a tragic culmination of a domestic dispute.

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Authorities identified the deceased as 71-year-old Francis Scoza and 61-year-old Audrey Petersen, who had recently ended a long-term relationship. Reports indicate that Scoza, a resident of Dunedin, forcibly entered Petersen’s residence on Friday evening.

Once inside, Scoza allegedly began firing shots at Petersen as she attempted to flee the premises. Despite her efforts to seek refuge at a neighbor’s house, Petersen succumbed to her injuries after being shot multiple times, collapsing outside the residence.

The harrowing ordeal reached its devastating conclusion when Scoza turned the gun on himself, ending his own life in the neighbor’s yard. The tragic sequence of events unfolded rapidly, leaving the community stunned and authorities grappling with the aftermath of the violent incident.

In a news release, Clearwater police confirmed the nature of the incident as a murder-suicide, ruling out the involvement of any additional suspects. The swift and tragic escalation of the dispute serves as a stark reminder of the dangers inherent in domestic conflicts, underscoring the urgent need for intervention and support for individuals in crisis.

As investigations into the shooting continue, authorities are working to provide support to the families and loved ones affected by the tragedy. The community is left to grapple with the shock and sorrow brought about by the loss of two lives in a senseless act of violence.

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The Clearwater shooting serves as a sobering reminder of the profound impact of domestic disputes and the critical importance of addressing underlying issues to prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future. As the community mourns the loss of Petersen and Scoza, efforts to promote awareness and support for victims of domestic violence remain paramount in fostering safer and more resilient communities.