A fatal shooting incident occurred at Addington Place, an assisted living facility in St. Petersburg, Florida, on Tuesday morning, January 23, 2024.
The St. Petersburg Police Department reported that Thomas Dowler, 81, shot his 76-year-old wife, Susan Dowler, before committing suicide.
Around 10 a.m., an employee conducting routine check-ins at the facility discovered the couple with gunshot wounds. The police were notified of the incident at 10:06 a.m. following the discovery.
Investigations by the St. Petersburg Police Department revealed that Thomas Dowler had arrived at the facility to visit his wife after 9 a.m.
The circumstances leading to the shooting are still under investigation, and the police have not disclosed further details.
Addington Place, recognized for its senior care, is collaborating with the police in this investigation. In response to the incident, the facility’s management company stated they are working closely with law enforcement and providing support and trauma counseling resources to the residents, patients, and staff.
This incident has raised concerns about safety and mental health care in senior living communities. The St. Petersburg Police Department is leading the ongoing investigation into this incident, seeking to understand the events that led to this tragic outcome.
The Addington Place facility, a waterfront building near the Gulf of Mexico, offers a range of living options for seniors, from studio to two-bedroom apartments. The facility’s website describes it as a “vibrant senior living community with all the amenities you deserve.”
Local and state authorities are closely monitoring the situation. Further details and developments regarding the investigation will be communicated by the St. Petersburg Police Department as they become available.