Double-murder suspect ‘planned to kill’ more family members, Florida cops say

The suspect in a double homicide told investigators he intended to kill other members of the family, according to investigators in Florida.

Kirk Hysell Jr., 41, is accused of killing his girlfriend and her mother at a home they shared in St. Petersburg, the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office said in a news release.

The bodies were discovered around 10:15 a.m. Saturday, April 12, after the suspect’s daughter called for help, the sheriff’s office said.

“When deputies arrived on scene, they located the first victim, 34-year-old Christina Donzero, deceased in a bedroom suffering from multiple stab wounds. The second victim, 75-year-old Betti ‘Suzanne’ Thevenet Donzero, was found in the garage of the home, also suffering from several stab wounds.” officials said.

“Deputies located the suspect ... in the bathroom of the home. He suffered from multiple self-inflicted injuries and was transported to the hospital.”

Detectives say Hysell’s daughter called authorities after her father confessed to killing his girlfriend and her mother, officials said.

When questioned, Hysell “admitted to the murders and initially planned to kill the whole family,” the sheriff’s office said.

“He also stated ... if he got out, he would ‘do it again’,” officials said.

Investigators did not release details on which family members faced potential harm.

Hysell has been charged with “two counts of first-degree murder, officials said.

This story was originally published April 14, 2025 at 9:45 AM with the headline "Double-murder suspect ‘planned to kill’ more family members, Florida cops say."