Santa Rosa County sheriff highlights domestic violence resources after several deadly incidents

SANTA ROSA COUNTY, Fla. (WALA) - It’s been a tragic five months in Santa Rosa County after nine people have lost their lives in four domestic violence related shootings. Five of those were killed on Tuesday.

“A normal year for us is four homicides and out of those four homicides usually three or sometimes all four will be domestic violence related,” said Santa Rosa County Sheriff Bob Johnson. “But for this, two in one day, five people dead in one day it’s never happened in Santa Rosa County since I’ve been here, and I started in 1993.”

Sheriff Bob Johnson says there’s no explanation for all of these incidents but says he wants to stop the disturbing trend.

“We’ve really got to get the word out that you can get help if you’re in a domestic violence situation and you feel it’s hopeless and there’s nothing that can help you well that’s not true,” added Sheriff Johnson.

The sheriff’s office says the first domestic violence death happened in June when Michael Delmar shot and killed his wife Katie Delmar before turning the gun on himself in their home on Adrian Way in Milton. One of their children was also shot that night, but thankfully survived. Then on October 25th investigators were called to Meadow Wood Lane in Navarre when they say a man killed his girlfriend and then himself.

The sheriff’s office responded to two more deadly shootings Tuesday. Sheriff Bob Johnson says the first happened just after one in the morning on Majestic Palm Street in Pace when he says a woman was on the phone with dispatchers when her boyfriend killed her and then himself. That evening deputies responded to Cypress Point Circle in Navarre where they say a man killed both of his parents and then himself.

Not only has this taken a toll on the community, but Sheriff Johnson says it’s also been affecting investigators as well.

“You’ll lose sleep over it. We just initiated a peer group that they can go to. We also have totally anonymous counseling,” said Sheriff Johnson. “I looked at the crime scene photos and it bothers me, and I wasn’t even there I’m looking at pictures.”

The sheriff is urging the community to be aware of the signs of domestic violence, and if you think you’re in a dangerous situation. Reach out as soon as possible

“We have victims' advocates, some great ladies in that department that will actually come out and speak to them, engage with them, tell them how to get a domestic violence injunction if that’s what they need,” said Sheriff Johnson. “We can break the cycle if you will let us. If we get the call, we can help you.”

If you are in a domestic violence situation and you need help, you can reach out to one of the following resources:

SRSO VICTIM ADVOCATES:

· Supervisor 850-983-1145

· Navarre and Gulf Breeze 850-981-2245

· Pace and Jay 850-983-1242

· Milton 850-981-2244

Florida Domestic Hotline: 800-500-1119

Florida Abuse Hotline: 800-962-2873

Crime Victim Compensation- Fl State Attorney: 850-595-6067

Santa Rosa County Clerk of Court: 850-981-5552

Domestic Violence Shelter- Favor House: 850-626-5600