Overview: Mandy Fackler, a mother of two from Hudson, Florida, was allegedly kidnapped outside her home on August 10 and later found dead with her on-again, off-again partner, Troy Savetz, a Pinellas County deputy. Officials say Savetz killed Fackler and then died by suicide; one of Fackler's children called 911 and both children were physically unharmed. Friends remember Fackler as a joyful, devoted mom, and a GoFundMe has been started to support her daughters. Resources for domestic violence help are included.
Florida Mom Allegedly Kidnapped and Killed by Ex-Partner — Pinellas County Deputy Found Dead
Mandy Fackler was a devoted mom (left); and Troy Savetz.Credit: Mandy Fackler/Facebook; Pinellas County Sheriff's Office
Authorities say Mandy Fackler, a mother of two from Hudson, Florida, was allegedly abducted outside her home and later found dead with her on-again, off-again partner, Troy Savetz — a deputy with the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office. The pair were discovered inside a vehicle in Spring Hill on August 10; officials say Savetz shot Fackler before taking his own life.
What Happened
Pasco County investigators said Fackler had just returned from the beach with her two daughters when she encountered Savetz in her driveway. The encounter escalated into an argument, and records referenced at a press briefing show Fackler urged the children to go inside the house to be safe. One child then called 911.
Mandy Fackler.Credit: Mandy Fackler/Facebook
Authorities say Savetz forced Fackler into a rental car and drove about 15 miles to Spring Hill, where both adults were found dead. Officials confirmed the children were physically unharmed.
Background
Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri described the relationship as tumultuous during remarks at the briefing, and local outlets later identified the victim and the deputy. Months earlier, Fackler had posted on Facebook about reconciling with Savetz and "choosing love over fear," a post friends say reflected her hope for the relationship.
Mandy Fackler.Credit: Mandy Fackler/Facebook
“They just went from the best day of their lives, probably, to the worst day of their lives,” Pasco Sheriff Chris Nocco said at the briefing.
Remembering Mandy Fackler
Friends remember Fackler as a joyful, devoted mother who loved bright colors, spending time with her daughters, and finding humor in everyday life. In a July post she wrote she had bought a Chevrolet because “the girls wanted to roll 3 deep in the front together,” adding, “Love doing life with them. Love that they wanna be with me.” A GoFundMe has been created to support her daughters.
Resources
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, help is available: call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or visit thehotline.org. Calls are toll-free, confidential, and available 24/7 in more than 170 languages.
Local reporting on the case has appeared in the Tampa Bay Times and FOX 13. Authorities continue to investigate and have released details at press briefings in Pasco County.
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