Murder-Suicide Under Investigation In Pinellas County: Sheriff

DUNEDIN, FL — A murder-suicide is under investigation in Dunedin, the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office said in a news release.

Deputies with the Robbery & Homicide Unit responded to a home on Mac Charles Court for a welfare check on Monday just after 8 p.m.

Investigators learned 54-year-old Charles Reid Jr. was sending suicidal text messages to family members, the sheriff’s office said. When deputies arrived on scene, they attempted to make contact with Reid but were unsuccessful.

Deputies located an unlocked door and entered the home, where they found Reid’s girlfriend, 42-year-old Sarah Bulat, dead from a gunshot wound to the head, the sheriff’s office said.

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While deputies continued checking the home, they heard a single gunshot come from a bathroom, where they found Reid with a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Detectives believe Reid murdered Bulat and then took his own life. Several suicide notes were found inside the home, the sheriff’s office said.

If you or someone you know is in a crisis or considering harming themselves, call the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay at 211. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline also can be reached by calling 988. Immediate help is also available in an emergency by dialing 911. Additional mental health and suicide prevention resources are available online.