SANFORD, FL – Bill Toth, a long-time Sanford resident, died late Tuesday after being shot in his own home, allegedly by his son-in-law. The 65-year-old spent his final moments surrounded by emergency personnel desperately trying to save his life as his family watched in shock, according to authorities.
The fatal incident unfolded shortly after 11 p.m., when deputies with the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office responded to a reported shooting at the Toth family home. Paramedics found Bill Toth on the kitchen floor, unresponsive. Despite their efforts, he was pronounced dead soon after arrival at a nearby hospital.
Toth, described by loved ones as a complicated man struggling with recent health issues, had reportedly been showing symptoms of dementia for several months before his death, according to statements given by his wife and daughter during the investigation. Family members shared with investigators that his condition had led to growing tension within the household, compounded by recent marital strife.
The night of the shooting, Toth’s wife, Carol, claimed that her husband had struck her following a heated exchange. Distressed by the alleged altercation, she sought comfort in the bedroom, where her daughter, Jennifer, and son-in-law, Shaun Simon, were staying. Moments later, Simon left the room, visibly upset by the confrontation, according to witness testimony.
Within minutes, the sound of a gunshot shattered the silence. Carol and Jennifer rushed to the kitchen and found Bill Toth lying motionless on the floor. They immediately called for help, but the life-saving efforts of first responders were ultimately unsuccessful.
Following the incident, authorities brought all three family members to the sheriff’s office for routine questioning. During interviews, Carol and Jennifer detailed the recent challenges the family had faced due to Bill Toth’s declining mental health. They cited frequent arguments and suspicions of infidelity as contributing factors to the family’s stress.
Shaun Simon, 42, later admitted to retrieving a firearm from beneath a makeshift dog ramp in the house and shooting his father-in-law in the chest. In his statement to deputies, Simon described the decision as a response to Bill Toth’s alleged actions toward Carol and ongoing turmoil in the household.
Deputies arrested Simon at the scene, charging him with first-degree premeditated murder. He was ordered held without bail and is expected to appear for arraignment later this month.
As the investigation continues, neighbors expressed sorrow for the loss that now ripples through the Toth family. Bill Toth is remembered by many for his years in the Sanford community and the complicated circumstances that marked the end of his life. Authorities have not announced plans for further charges related to the events preceding the fatal shooting.