Michele L. Thomasson, aged 50, and her husband Timothy K. Thomasson, aged 53, were found dead in their Summerfield, Florida home on May 12, 2014. The couple was discovered lying side by side on their bed, each with a gunshot wound to the head. The Marion County Sheriff's Office and the Medical Examiner's Office concluded that the manner of death for both individuals was suicide.
Investigators found two semi-automatic handguns at the scene, a .380-caliber used by Michele and a .22-caliber used by Timothy. A five-page suicide note addressed to family members was also discovered, containing apologies and instructions regarding their financial matters and the care of their two Newfoundland dogs.
The investigation revealed that both Michele and Timothy had been struggling with substance abuse issues. Michele had been abusing narcotics for some time, and both she and her husband were using Timothy's prescription pain medication intravenously. Financial difficulties compounded their struggles, as Michele had recently lost her job due to her drug problem, and Timothy was on disability following multiple back surgeries. The couple had been selling Timothy's tools and other household items to fund their drug use. Michele's sister, Jackie Slonaker, had offered to pay for a rehabilitation program for her, but Michele and Timothy's situation continued to deteriorate.
In the days leading up to their deaths, Michele had expressed suicidal thoughts to her sister, mentioning that if they could obtain a significant amount of cocaine, they could end their lives. On the day of their deaths, Michele had contacted her sister, who was on her way to visit, and mentioned that she would see her when she arrived. The couple's deaths were ultimately ruled as a double suicide, and no arrests, suspects, litigations, or murder investigations were associated with the case. The tragic circumstances surrounding their deaths highlighted the severe impact of substance abuse and financial hardship on their lives.
