PLANT CITY, Fla. — A Hillsborough County deputy killed three family members early Wednesday morning, then took his own life, according to the Sheriff's Office.
"Today I stand in front of you with an extremely heavy heart," said Sheriff Chad Chronister at a news conference. "Saddened and disheartened about the events that occurred early this morning."
Sheriff Chronister said 58-year-old Deputy Terry Strawn communicated over the radio around 6:45 a.m. that he killed his wife and granddaughter at one home, and his daughter at a different home.
Deputies made contact with Strawn near Plant City High School, where he took his own life.
Sheriff Chronister said the bodies of Strawn's wife and granddaughter, 54-year-old Theresa Strawn and 6-year-old Londyn Strawn, were found shot to death at one home, and the body of his daughter, 32-year-old Courtney Strawn, was found at a second home.
"Let me just say how apologetic I am for the actions of this deputy," said Sheriff Chronister. "Saddened and disheartened I am by the actions of this deputy and the senseless loss of these innocent lives."
The Sheriff's Office said Deputy Strawn retired in 2017, but was hired back in 2018 as a security deputy at an elementary school.
There were no students on campus when the incident occurred and the campus was immediately put on lockdown, which has since been lifted, according to Hillsborough County Schools.
A robocall went out to parents on Wednesday morning letting them know there was an active crime scene, but that the school would be on a normal schedule.
This is a developing story. Stay with WPTV for updates.
