A Florida real estate agent with a local Keller Williams franchise was shot and killed by her husband, a Hillsborough County Sheriff’s deputy, who then shot himself in their Land O’ Lakes home on Sept. 24, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s confirmed on Tuesday.
The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s office confirmed Samantha Keithley, 33, was shot and killed by Deputy Kirk Keithley, 39, in a statement.
Kirk and Samantha Keithley. (Photo from Samantha Keithley on Facebook)
“Unfortunately last night, one of our deputies was involved in a tragic event where he took his wife’s life and then his own,” Sheriff Chad Chronister said in a release on Tuesday morning. “I cannot begin to express how disheartened I am. Domestic violence has no place in our society.”
“I ask that everyone join me and the rest of our office and pray for those innocent children who are left behind and have to pick up the pieces,” added Chronister. “This is something that is impossible to comprehend for even the most seasoned person. Please keep them in your hearts as we all try to make our way through this tragedy.”
Combined, the couple had four children – two together and one each from a previous relationship – all under age 14, who were in the home at the time of the violent incident, according to a report in the Tampa Bay Times. The eldest called 9-1-1 after hearing the argument and gunshot and none of the children were harmed, according to the report.
Keithley had also reportedly texted a friend that her husband had “lost his mind,” according to the report.
Keithley had recently started as an agent with Keller Williams Realty Lakeland in central Florida, northwest of Tampa Bay. The office has started a GoFundMe, which has raised more than $25,000 of its $50,000 goal for the four surviving children to not have to worry about finances in their time of grieving.
The fundraiser was started by Damion Boyce, the team leader with Keller Williams Lakeland, according to the news report.
“Samantha was a devoted and loving mother with four beautiful children and a flourishing real estate career,” Boyce said in a statement on the GoFundMe page. “We are asking our community to come together to help and support the children and family during this difficult time.”
Keithley had been working for Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino for nearly a decade, according to the Tampa Bay Times, where she had recently been promoted to manager, in addition to her real estate work.
September is the National Association of Realtors’ Realtor Safety Month.
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