SPRING HILL, Fla. — A Pasco County mother was kidnapped and killed Monday in what authorities described as a horrific domestic violence incident involving a Pinellas County sheriff’s deputy. The deputy later died by suicide, according to officials.

The victim was identified as Mandy Fackler, a mother of two children, ages 9 and 12. The suspect was identified as 47-year-old Deputy Troy Savetz, who had worked for the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office for approximately 14 years.

Pasco County Sheriff Chris Nocco and Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri provided additional details during a joint news conference Monday night.

According to Sheriff Nocco, Fackler and her two children had just returned from a trip to the beach when they arrived at their home in Hudson and found Savetz in the front yard.

Authorities said Savetz and Fackler had been involved in a tumultuous, on-again, off-again relationship.

Nocco said an argument began between Savetz and Fackler over a television. During the confrontation, Savetz allegedly took Fackler’s cellphone when she attempted to call 911.

Authorities said Fackler then instructed her children to run inside the home and call 911.

The children followed their mother’s instructions and provided dispatchers with information that helped authorities respond to the emergency.

Nocco praised the children for remaining calm and contacting emergency services despite the terrifying situation.

Law enforcement officers were dispatched to the Hudson residence after receiving the emergency call. However, authorities said Fackler and Savetz had already left by the time officers arrived.

Investigators found the home’s door open and Fackler’s cellphone still at the property.

Detectives subsequently determined that Savetz had allegedly taken Fackler from the residence in a rental vehicle.

Investigators tracked the vehicle to Platinum Drive, where they discovered Savetz and Fackler inside the vehicle, both deceased.

Authorities said the circumstances surrounding the deaths remained under investigation.

Following the incident, Fackler’s two children were placed in the care of their biological father.

Sheriff Nocco expressed his condolences to the children and emphasized that their mother had acted to protect them during the confrontation.

Authorities said the children were not physically harmed in the incident.

According to Sheriff Gualtieri, Savetz had served with the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office for 14 years and was assigned to the agency’s Marine Unit.

Gualtieri strongly condemned Savetz’s actions, describing the incident as unacceptable and “inexcusable.”

Officials emphasized that Savetz’s actions were not representative of law enforcement and that he was no longer acting in the capacity of a deputy when he allegedly committed the crimes.

Detectives from the relevant agencies continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding Fackler’s death, the alleged kidnapping and Savetz’s subsequent death.

Authorities have not released additional details about the exact circumstances of the killings or provided further information regarding a possible motive.

Officials described the incident as isolated and said the investigation remains active. Additional information is expected to be released as investigators continue reviewing evidence and reconstructing the events leading up to the deaths