On February 27, 2026, Kathryn Elissa “Katie” Kirby, 43, and Troy McDermitt, 45, were found dead from apparent gunshot wounds in a Belleview, Florida home. Investigators confirmed the deaths as a murder-suicide, with McDermitt shooting Kirby and then himself. They were in a dating relationship that was ending. Both had children from other relationships who were not present during the incident.
Country: United States
State/Province: Florida, United States
City/Region: Belleview
Incident Type: Murder-Suicide
Relationship Status: Dating
Relationship Duration:
Incident Date: Feb. 27, 2026
Relationship Origins:
Relationship Stages:
Contributing Factors:
Red Flags:
Motives:
Relationship Outcomes:
How the relationship or connection began.
Important relationship phases recorded for this case.
Reported red flags or early concern points.
Contributing factors and possible motives from the available sources.
2026-02-27
Recorded relationship or case outcome.
English labels are shown first. Original-language titles are preserved for source verification.
Original language: English
Officers confirm deaths in Belleview were a murder-suicide; identities released
Domestic Violence
The case involves a dating relationship that was ending, culminating in a murder-suicide. The suspect shot the victim and then himself, indicating an escalation of domestic conflict and possible desperation related to the relationship's dissolution. Both parties had children from other relationships, but no children were present during the incident.
Police confirmed the murder-suicide scenario with McDermitt as the shooter and subsequent self-inflicted death. Both victims were found at the home. No children were present. The investigation concluded with the suspect deceased, closing the case. Domestic violence resources were highlighted for public awareness.
Investigators established that McDermitt and Kirby were in a dating relationship that was ending. On February 27, 2026, both were found dead from gunshot wounds at Kirby's home in Belleview. McDermitt shot Kirby and then himself. Both had children from other relationships who were not present. The timeline and forensic evidence supported the murder-suicide conclusion.
High risk due to recent separation and access to firearms, with escalation to lethal violence.
Relationship dissolution in dating contexts can escalate to lethal violence, especially with firearm access. Early intervention and awareness of separation-related risks are critical. Publicizing domestic violence resources is important for prevention and support.
The relationship was coming to an end, indicating separation as a key early signal.
The dating relationship status and the presence of gunshot wounds at the home connected the case as a murder-suicide.
Forensic evidence of gunshot wounds and the scene at the home were strongest.
Not reported.
No follow-up reports available beyond the initial confirmation of murder-suicide and identities.
No unresolved issues reported; suspect deceased and case closed.