UPDATE: Man also deceased, determined suspect; Deceased woman and injured man located at N. Dawnflower Ave., Crystal River residence; CCSO seeking info.
CCSO graphic.
Citrus County Sheriff's Office (CCSO), November 3, 2023
Citrus County, Florida - Two people, Debora Jefferys and Donald Parker, both 64, are dead as the result of a domestic violence incident that occurred on October 20, 2023, inside their North Dawnflower Avenue, Crystal River, Florida residence, located in the Crystal Manor subdivision.
According to the Citrus County Sheriff's Office, Mr. Parker and Ms. Jefferys were involved in a domesic dispute that turned deadly.
On Friday, October 20, 2023, the Citrus County Sheriff's Office (CCSO) responded to a call that requested an urgent well-being check at the residence. Deputies arrived on scene to find evidence of a struggle inside the home - and a deceased woman with multiple stab wounds, identified as Debora Jefferys, lying on the utility room floor.
Deputies also found Donald Parker, lying on the living room floor, in need of medical attention. Parker, who was initially in stable condition, was transported to an area hospital for treatment. On October 31, Parker succumbed to his unspecified injuries and passed away in the hospital.
Through forensic evidence, it was determined Parker was responsible for both his and Jefferys' wounds.
Due to Parker's injuries, detectives were unable to interview him at the hospital.
After consulting with the State Attorney's Office, detectives obtained a warrant for Parker's arrest, charging him with second degree murder.
"This horrific incident is beyond tragic and absolutely shocking to the senses," said Citrus County Sheriff Mike Prendergast. "Further disheartening, is that this, unfortunately, was not the first time Parker was suspected of domestic violence. Please, I urge you to call 911 if you are a victim of domestic violence or know someone who is too scared to call. We must break this cycle of abuse before it is too late for another victim."
If you or someone you know are experiencing domestic abuse and need to file a report, please call the Citrus County Sheriff's Office at (352) 249-2790. You are not alone. If you see something, say something. For more information on Domestic Violence Awareness, the agency's Behavioral Health Unit can help, by calling (352) 249-2790. You can also speak with a domestic violence advocate with Citrus Abuse Shelter Association (CASA) at (352) 344-8111.
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Deceased woman and injured man located at N. Dawnflower Ave., Crystal River residence; CCSO seeking info.
Citrus County Sheriff's Office (CCSO)
Citrus County, Florida - On Friday, October 20, 2023, the Citrus County Sheriff's Office (CCSO) responded to a call requesting an urgent well-being check at a residence located on North Dawnflower Avenue in Crystal River, and arrived on scene to find evidence of a struggle inside the home.
Deputies located a deceased woman, identified as 64 year-old Debora Jefferys, lying on the utility room floor, and a man on the living room floor in need of medical attention. He was transported to a medical facility for treatment, and as of 5:00 pm on Saturday afternoon, October 21, was in stable condition, according to a CCSO press release.
Detectives with the Citrus County Sheriff's Office, Major Crimes Unit and Crime Scene Technicians responded to the scene, obtained a search warrant, and collected evidence to continue the investigation into the incident.
"This incident is beyond devastating," said Citrus County Sheriff Mike Prendergast. "This type of violence is a very serious matter. Our office works diligently to solve crimes such as these. If you have information pertaining to this incident, please contact us at (352) 249-2790."