SEMINOLE COUNTY FL, A Seminole County man has been arrested and charged with first-degree murder after deputies say he shot and killed his father-in-law following a domestic dispute inside their shared home.
According to the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office, Shaun Paul Simon, 42, was taken into custody Wednesday in connection with the death of 80-year-old Bill Toth. Investigators said Simon lived with Toth outside of Sanford along with his wife and her mother.
Deputies responded to the residence Tuesday evening after Simon’s wife called 911. Seminole County Fire Rescue personnel were already on scene providing medical aid to Toth, who had suffered a gunshot wound to the chest. He was transported to a hospital, where he later died from his injuries early the following morning.
Simon was identified as a suspect at the scene and was detained by deputies.
According to statements provided to investigators, Simon’s wife and mother-in-law told deputies that Toth had been showing signs consistent with dementia for several months, which they said had caused ongoing tension in the household. They also reported concerns that Toth may have been unfaithful. Both women told deputies that Toth slapped the mother-in-law earlier that evening.
The arrest report states that the mother-in-law then entered Simon’s bedroom to inform him and his wife of what had occurred. Deputies noted that Simon appeared visibly upset and left the room to confront Toth. Shortly afterward, the two women reported hearing a loud bang. When they exited the bedroom, they found Toth lying on the kitchen floor, staring at the ceiling.
Simon later admitted to deputies that he shot Toth in the kitchen, telling investigators he made the decision after learning that Toth had struck the mother-in-law. According to the report, Simon said he placed a blanket over Toth’s face after the shooting. He described Toth as a narcissist who “had been making his life miserable,” deputies noted.
Simon is currently being held at the Seminole County Jail. Court records indicate his arraignment is scheduled for March 24.
