Mandy Fackler Suicide Obituary-Death ,Mother of Two Kidnapped and Killed by Deputy in Murder-Suicide, Sheriffs Say
Pinellas County deputy, in a “tumultuous” relationship with the victim, kidnaps her after a dispute; her two children witness the beginning of the ordeal.
HUDSON, Fla.*— A Pasco County mother of two was kidnapped from her Hudson home and later found dead, killed by a Pinellas County sheriff’s deputy who then took his own life Monday afternoon, according to a joint announcement from local law enforcement leaders.
The victim, identified by friends as Mandy Fackler , a real estate professional and vibrant mother, was allegedly murdered by Deputy Troy Savetz, 47, with whom she had an on-again, off-again relationship described by authorities as “tumultuous.”
Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri and Pasco County Sheriff Chris Nocco held a somber press conference Monday night, detailing what Gualtieri called a “horrific situation.”
According to Sheriff Nocco, the tragedy unfolded shortly after Fackler and her two daughters, ages 9 and 12, returned home from a joyful trip to the beach. They found Savetz waiting in the front yard of their Hudson residence.
“What should have been a continuation of a beautiful day turned into a nightmare,” Nocco said. “They went from the best day of their lives probably to the worst day of their lives.”
An argument erupted over a television set. When Fackler attempted to call 911, Savetz took her phone. In a moment of terrifying clarity, Fackler instructed her children to run inside the house and call for help.
“Your Mom is Looking Down… So Proud of You
Nocco praised the two girls for their composure under unimaginable pressure. “They did a phenomenal job,” he said, recounting the 911 call. “We listened to that tape… You two did the right thing, you did exactly what your mom wanted you to do.”
He directly addressed the children: “Your mom is looking down from heaven, and she is so proud of you.”
By the time deputies arrived at the home, Savetz and Fackler were gone. The door was left open, and Fackler’s phone was found at the property. Investigators quickly determined Savetz had kidnapped her in a rental vehicle.
The vehicle was tracked to Platinum Drive in Pasco County, where detectives made the grim discovery: both Savetz and Fackler were dead inside from an apparent murder-suicide.
A Deputy’s “Inexcusable” Actions
Sheriff Gualtieri confirmed Savetz had been with the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office for 14 years, most recently assigned to the Marine Unit. He forcefully condemned his deputy’s actions.
“What he did was inexcusable,” Gualtieri stated. “There is no reason to have a permanent solution to a temporary problem. Obviously, [there were] some mental health issues with him.”
Nocco echoed the sentiment, stripping Savetz of the honor of his badge. “The moment this individual committed a crime he was no longer a law enforcement officer. He was a criminal.”
**Remembering Mandy Fackler**
As the investigation continues, the community is grappling with the loss of Mandy Fackler. A graduate of Deltona High School and a Realtor and Real Estate Consultant at Century 21 Beggins, friends remember her as a person “full of life” who was always happy with her girls.
Her two children are now in the care of their biological father. “Know this entire community is praying for you. Our arms are around you,” Sheriff Nocco said to them.
Authorities have officially released the victim’s name,as Mandy Fackler,
A Call for Help and Healing
In the wake of this domestic violence tragedy, both sheriffs underscored the resources available. “If you or someone you know is going through domestic violence, please talk with someone,” Nocco urged.
The incident remains under active investigation by the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, help is available. The National Domestic Violence Hotline can be reached at 1-800-799-7233.*