Timothy K. Thomasson, aged 53, and his wife Michele L. Thomasson, aged 50, 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. The investigation revealed that the couple had been struggling with significant personal and financial issues.
Timothy had undergone numerous back surgeries and was on disability, while Michele had recently lost her job due to a drug problem. Both were reportedly abusing Timothy's prescription pain medication and had been selling household items to fund their drug use.
A detailed five-page suicide note was found at the scene, addressed to family members. The note contained apologies and instructions regarding the care of their two Newfoundland dogs, as well as financial and property matters. Michele's sister, Jackie Slonaker, had been aware of the couple's struggles and had offered to pay for a rehabilitation program for Michele. However, the couple's situation had deteriorated to the point where they saw no way out. Michele had expressed suicidal thoughts in the days leading up to their deaths, and both she and Timothy had previously discussed ending their lives.
The investigation into their deaths was thorough, with detectives interviewing family members and friends. Harlan Kelsey, who lived with the Thomassons, recounted an incident where Timothy had previously attempted suicide but was stopped. Despite the tragic outcome, there were no indications of foul play, and the deaths were ultimately ruled as a double suicide. The case highlights the devastating impact of chronic pain, substance abuse, and financial hardship on individuals and their families.
