Hillsborough County deputies investigating apparent murder-suicide

TAMPA - Hillsborough County detectives say a man and his wife are dead after an apparent murder-suicide in the Town 'n' Country area Thursday morning.

Deputies say evidence suggests Deanna Mendoza, 34, drove to the home where her estranged husband lives at 8361 Galewood Circle.  Pedro Mendoza, 42, came out of the home and shot Deanna while she sat in the car.

Pedro then got in the back seat, and turned the gun on himself.

Deputies were called to the home just after 9:00 a.m., after a neighbor heard gunshots.

Deanna Mendoza was a dispatcher with Tampa Police, and had been with them since 2009.

In a missive to employees, Tampa Police Chief Jane Castor said Deanna was "a valued member of our team and a wonderful person. She leaves behind three children, other family members and countless friends."