In the quiet pre-dawn hours of Wednesday, December 17, the close-knit Brackett Bend neighborhood in Zephyrhills was rocked by the heartbreaking discovery of Wilmer Russi and his wife, Devri Gonzalez, both found dead in their home in what Pasco County authorities are describing as a domestic-related murder-suicide.
Deputies from the Pasco Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to the couple’s residence at about 3:35 a.m. after receiving reports of a serious domestic incident. When they arrived, investigators found both adults unresponsive. Officials confirmed the scene was isolated with no ongoing threat to the public and stressed the investigation remains active, though many details about the cause and specific circumstances are still being gathered.
Friends and neighbors were left reeling as news spread. Those who knew Wilmer and Devri described them as a devoted couple, deeply dedicated to their family and well-liked in the community. A mix of shock and sorrow rippled through Pasco County and the broader Greater Tampa Bay area as people struggled to make sense of the sudden, violent end to a life many saw as ordinary and full of promise.
Russi, a systems engineer at Raymond James, was respected for his technical skills and leadership. Colleagues remember him as dependable and supportive, someone who took pride in both his work and his role as a father. He was a certified Project Management Professional and a graduate of Broward College, known among peers for his commitment to excellence.
Devri was remembered by friends for her warmth and kindness, a partner who balanced a busy household with grace. Together, the couple raised two young children, who authorities confirmed were not physically harmed in the incident. The children have since been placed in the care of family members, and community members are rallying to support them through what will undoubtedly be a long, difficult healing process.
While the sheriff’s office continues to piece together the timeline and motivations behind the tragedy, officials have appealed to the public’s respect for the family’s privacy. There are no indications the events were connected to any threat beyond the household, and investigators are urging patience as they work through forensic, testimonial, and other critical lines of inquiry.
In the days since, messages of condolence have poured in — neighbors recalling weekend barbecues, school events, and the couple’s ready smiles. For a community grappling with loss, the focus now turns to remembering the humanity of Wilmer and Devri, and to protecting and comforting the children left behind.
The post Zephyrhills Tragedy: Wilmer Russi and Devri Gonzalez Found Dead in Apparent Murder-Suicide appeared first on Tripplenews.
