Tragic Double Homicide in Pinellas County Leads to Multi-State Manhunt and Arrest of Suspect

Tragic Double Homicide in Pinellas County Leads to Multi-State Manhunt and Arrest of Suspect

PINELLAS COUNTY, FL — Authorities have confirmed the arrest of 37-year-old Nicholas Kirchner, following a deeply disturbing series of events that began with the murder of his parents and ended in a multi-state manhunt stretching across Florida, South Carolina, and Georgia.

On Friday, June 6, 2025, deputies with the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office responded to a distressing 911 call at a residence in the county. Upon entering the home, deputies discovered the lifeless bodies of 53-year-old Elizabeth Kirchner and 64-year-old Steven Kirchner, both deceased in the living room from apparent gunshot wounds.

As detectives initiated their investigation, it became clear that the couple’s son, Nicholas Kirchner, had fled the scene before law enforcement arrived. A manhunt was quickly launched as law enforcement agencies across multiple states coordinated to locate the suspect.

Later that day, the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office in South Carolina, where Nicholas reportedly resides, contacted Pinellas County authorities with alarming information. Around 11 a.m., Sumter County deputies responded to a disturbance involving a firearm. According to witness accounts, Nicholas Kirchner arrived at a family member’s home, brandished a gun, and threatened to kill multiple people.

The situation escalated rapidly. Deputies said Kirchner held one family member at gunpoint, and forced another to enter the home to retrieve someone else, stating chillingly, “I’ve already killed two people — I’ll kill some more.” The terror ended only when a family member confronted Kirchner with a firearm of their own, prompting him to flee in his vehicle.

Following this confrontation, law enforcement agencies intensified their efforts to track Kirchner. By approximately 4 p.m., the Taliaferro County Sheriff’s Office in Georgia located and apprehended the suspect without further incident.

Kirchner was taken into custody and is now facing two counts of first-degree premeditated murder in the deaths of his parents. Authorities report that during questioning, he confessed to the murders, calling them a “righteous kill” and expressing no remorse. He is also expected to face charges related to the South Carolina incident, where he allegedly threatened and endangered multiple individuals.

Detectives say that Kirchner was armed and dangerous, and had expressed anti-law enforcement views, which further raised the level of urgency and caution during the manhunt.

The investigation into both the Florida homicides and the South Carolina assault remains ongoing. Authorities are working closely across jurisdictions to compile evidence, process crime scenes, and ensure that justice is served for the victims and those traumatized by these horrific events.

The Kirchner family’s neighbors and friends have expressed deep shock and sorrow. Community members have begun placing flowers outside the family’s Pinellas County home, paying tribute to Elizabeth and Steven Kirchner—described as loving, friendly, and dedicated parents.

As the legal process moves forward, authorities continue to urge anyone with further information about Nicholas Kirchner’s movements before his arrest to come forward. Support services and grief counselors have also been made available to those affected by the tragedy.

This case stands as a sobering reminder of how quickly domestic situations can spiral into catastrophic violence—and of the vital role of coordination between law enforcement agencies in protecting communities across state lines.