STARKE, Florida — The Starke community is reeling after a tragic murder-suicide claimed the lives of Loyd Alan Kerr, 50, and his estranged wife, Rachael Renee Kerr, 43, early Thursday morning at their home on Northeast Sixth Lane. Authorities believe the incident was a deliberate act, following what had been an ongoing history of domestic violence.

Deputies with the Bradford County Sheriff’s Office responded around 5:15 a.m. after receiving a 911 hang-up call from Rachael Kerr’s phone. Upon arrival near State Road 230 close to the Bradford-Clay county line, officers found Loyd Kerr deceased from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head, with a firearm nearby. A search of the property also revealed Rachael Kerr suffering from a gunshot wound to the neck, and despite emergency efforts, she was pronounced dead at the scene.

Two children, ages 9 and 11, were inside the home at the time of the tragedy but managed to escape unharmed to a neighbor’s house. Authorities confirmed that both children were physically safe but are receiving support following the traumatic event.

The deaths occurred despite an active domestic violence injunction against Loyd Kerr. Court records indicate Rachael had repeatedly contacted law enforcement regarding violations, including tracking devices placed on her vehicle and previous arrests for violating the injunction. Chief Deputy Colonel Brad Smith stated, “This has been an ongoing domestic violence-type of situation… She was going through all the right processes to prevent any further harm from him.”

The investigation is ongoing as detectives work to confirm the timeline and circumstances of the incident. Authorities are also reviewing the effectiveness of domestic violence protections and procedures, highlighting the critical need for continued vigilance and intervention in such cases.