On Tuesday morning, January 23, 2024, at Addington Place, a senior living facility located in St. Petersburg, Florida, a shooting resulted in two deaths.

The St. Petersburg Police Department confirmed that Thomas Dowler, aged 81, fatally shot his 76-year-old wife, Susan Dowler, before taking his own life.

A staff member at the assisted living facility discovered the couple, who both had gunshot wounds, during a routine check-in around 10 a.m. The police received the alarming report at 10:06 a.m. following this tragic discovery.

According to the St. Petersburg Police Department, Thomas Dowler had shown up at the facility to visit his wife just after 9 a.m.

The police are still investigating the circumstances surrounding the shooting and have not released additional details about the incident.

Addington Place, known for its senior care services, is cooperating fully with the police in their ongoing investigation. The management company of the facility has stated that they are actively working with law enforcement, offering support and trauma counseling resources to their residents, patients, and staff members.

The incident has prompted further discussions about safety protocols and mental health care provisions in senior living communities.

Located near the Gulf of Mexico, Addington Place, a waterfront property, provides a variety of living arrangements for seniors, ranging from studio apartments to two-bedroom units. The facility prides itself as a “vibrant senior living community with all the amenities you deserve,” according to its website.

The St. Petersburg Police Department will be communicating further details and updates about the investigation as they emerge.