In a disturbing turn of events, the death of 59-year-old Katrin Simpson in St. Petersburg has been determined to be a homicide, not a suicide, by local authorities. According to an affidavit for a search warrant, first responders discovered Simpson hanging by a black wire from a wooden beam in the garage of her home, which she shared with her boyfriend, 48-year-old Gregory Shinn, on February 20th.
Paramedics were called to the scene around 11:40 p.m. after Shinn had a neighbor contact emergency services, as he claimed not to have a phone. Shinn informed officers that he had last seen Simpson between 10 and 10:30 p.m. that evening while he was in his room watching YouTube videos. He became concerned when he hadn’t heard from her for some time and decided to check on her, only to find her hanging in the garage.
Shinn told detectives that Simpson had previously expressed suicidal ideation and had been journaling her feelings in a diary titled “my feelings.” However, the medical examiner’s findings contradicted the notion of suicide, citing Simpson’s injuries as inconsistent with those typically observed in cases of hanging.
The severity of Simpson’s injuries, including multiple fractured ribs, hemorrhages on the bottom of her brain, a contusion on her forehead, and cuts, raised suspicions surrounding her death. Shinn claimed that Simpson had sustained these injuries while they were doing renovation work on the house, alleging that she had accidentally been struck by a falling door frame.
The discrepancies between Shinn’s account and the medical examiner’s findings prompted investigators to classify Simpson’s death as suspicious. The investigation into her tragic demise continues, with authorities diligently pursuing leads and gathering evidence to bring justice to those responsible for her untimely death.
The revelation that Simpson’s death was not a suicide but a homicide has sent shockwaves through the community, leaving loved ones and neighbors grappling with the unsettling reality of her tragic fate. As the investigation unfolds, the St. Petersburg Police Department remains committed to uncovering the truth and ensuring that those accountable are held accountable for their actions.