Karen L. Sutton, aged 73, was found dead on September 28, 2018, in her home in Sun City Center, Florida. The tragic incident was part of an apparent murder-suicide involving her husband, Joseph Sutton, aged 74. On the evening of September 28, a neighbor reported hearing gunshots, prompting a response from the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office. Upon arrival, deputies discovered the bodies of Karen and Joseph Sutton inside their residence.
Karen had suffered multiple gunshot wounds to her heart, lungs, and liver, while Joseph had a single gunshot wound to his head.
The investigation revealed that the couple had no prior history of domestic disturbances or police calls to their home. They were described as "snowbirds," splitting their time between Florida and their home in Western New York. Both were retired educators, with Joseph having a long career as a physical education teacher and coach in the Ken-Ton School District, and Karen also working as a physical education teacher in the Hamburg Central School District.
The Hillsborough County Medical Examiner's Office confirmed the cause of death for both individuals, and the case was classified as a murder-suicide. There were no arrests or suspects beyond the initial findings, and no further litigation or legal actions were reported in connection with their deaths. The incident was one of several murder-suicides in the Tampa Bay area during that period, highlighting a concerning trend in the region.
