St. Petersburg, Florida – A man in Florida is facing a first-degree murder charge for allegedly killing his girlfriend and attempting to make it look like a suicide by hanging, law enforcement officials reported.
Gregory Shinn, 48, is accused of the death of 59-year-old Katrin Simpson in February at their residence in St. Petersburg. Emergency responders were called to the scene on Whiting Drive and found Simpson hanging in the garage by a wire attached to a wooden beam. Despite efforts to save her, Simpson was pronounced dead at the scene.
Authorities noted that Simpson had visible injuries on her face, with bruising and blood present around her nose and mouth. During investigations, it was revealed that Shinn had a history of domestic violence incidents involving Simpson in the past. Furthermore, a neighbor disclosed that Simpson had expressed concerns about Shinn’s behavior prior to her death.
Forensic evidence and witness statements contradicted Shinn’s initial claims, indicating that Simpson’s injuries were not consistent with suicide. The medical examiner concluded that Simpson’s death was caused by strangulation, with other contributing factors such as blunt force trauma and drug toxicity.
Shinn’s DNA was found on the wire used in the hanging, despite his denial of direct involvement with it. Following further interviews and evidence collection, Shinn was arrested and is currently being held without bond at the Pinellas County Jail.
The news of Shinn’s arrest brought a sense of relief and closure to Simpson’s friends and neighbors, who had been waiting anxiously for justice in her case. They expressed gratitude for the progress made in the investigation and hoped that Simpson’s soul could now rest in peace.