A Florida man reportedly told cops he "had to get rid of the Devil" after allegedly shooting his ex-girlfriend in the head and wounding a second woman.
David Marshall Murdock, aged 60, of Lake Wales, stands accused of murdering Lisa Bunce, 56, while visiting a home in Haines City owned by her friend Sandra Andrews, 66. Andrews was also shot in the face by the suspect but is expected to survive, WFTS-TV reported.
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Deputies from Polk County Sheriff's Office were called to the home—at the Sweetwater Golf and Tennis Club community—at just after 1 a.m. on Saturday, police told local media.
Officers said Murdock himself contacted 911 and was located outside the home. According to WTOL a handgun was located on a nearby driveway. WFLA-TV reported Bunce's body was found in a closet. She had a gunshot wound to the head.
The Ledger, a Florida newspaper, reported the suspect told police: "It's an emergency. I just shot two people." He added: "I'm not leaving. I'm sorry I had to get rid of the Devil."
In total, four calls were placed to the police department in relation to the incident.
When found, a wounded Andrews identified "David" as the shooter, cops said. The victim was in Florida visiting friends and was set to return to Ohio tomorrow. During her travels, deputies believe the suspect attempted to contact Bunce but his number was blocked.
Citing information from local law enforcement, WFTS-TV (ABC Action News) reported Bunce had moved to Ohio last year following a "troubled relationship" with the suspect. WTOL reported that Bunce had relocated to Toledo after the suspect made threats against her.
Inmate records posted online say Murdock is facing charges of first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder, armed burglary with assault/battery and shooting into a building.
"Murdock told us he had to get rid of the Devil as an excuse for his actions," Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd said over the weekend, according to WFTS-TV.
"Lots of people blame the Devil for their misdeeds, but it takes a person to pull a trigger. We are going to hold Murdock accountable for murdering his ex-girlfriend and trying to kill another woman."
The suspect was held at Polk County Jail. There was no bond listed on the inmate filing. Andrews was treated at the Lakeland Regional Health Medical Center, WFLA-TV reported.
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