Terri Lynn Coolidge, a 45-year-old woman from Plantation, FL, tragically lost her life on July 10, 2016. Born on September 22, 1970, in Panama City, FL, she was a dedicated sales representative for a large IT company and a loving mother to two children. Terri was known for her passion for helping women in distress and was described by friends and family as a hardworking, caring individual with a heart of gold.
The circumstances surrounding Terri's death were both shocking and tragic.
On the night of July 10, 2016, her fiancé, Royce Teets, called 911 to report that Terri had been shot at their home on West Tropical Way. Initially, Teets claimed that the shooting was accidental, stating that they were handling a shotgun when it went off. However, his story changed multiple times during the investigation. He later admitted to being extremely angry during an argument with Terri, which led him to grab an AK-47 from a closet and shoot her in the chest. Teets confessed that he had only intended to scare her but ended up causing her death.
Royce Teets, 46, was arrested and charged with premeditated murder. He appeared in court shortly after the incident, where he was denied bond and appointed a public defender. The case drew significant attention due to the nature of the crime and the couple's relationship. Friends and family of Terri expressed their shock and grief, remembering her as a vibrant and loving person who lit up any room she entered.
The investigation revealed that the couple had been arguing about Teets' communication with other women, which escalated into a physical altercation. Teets' multiple conflicting statements to the police further complicated the case, but his eventual admission of guilt provided clarity on the tragic events that led to Terri's death. The legal proceedings against Teets continued, with the charge of premeditated murder carrying severe implications for his future.
