Rita Lorraine Duffey, a 68-year-old woman from Fort Myers, Florida, was found dead on March 12, 2017, alongside her sister, Rebecca Lynn Duffey, aged 60. The tragic incident occurred in their home located at 15636 Royal Coach Circle in the Royal Coach neighborhood. The Lee County Sheriff's Office conducted an investigation and determined that the deaths were the result of a murder-suicide.
Rita Duffey had murdered her sister Rebecca before taking her own life with a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Rita Duffey had a history of health issues, including a stroke she suffered about ten years prior to the incident. Despite her disability, she was known to be active in her community, often seen working on landscaping around her home. Neighbors described the sisters as friendly and helpful, although they had been heard arguing in the weeks leading up to their deaths. Rebecca Duffey was an active member of the Bayshore Community Chapel, where she had recently been baptized.
The investigation revealed that there were no other suspects involved, and the incident was isolated to their residence. The authorities did not disclose any further details about the motive behind the murder-suicide. The community was shocked by the event, as the sisters were well-known and generally well-liked by their neighbors. The case did not lead to any arrests or further litigation, as it was concluded with the determination of the murder-suicide.
