A couple of Florida sheriff’s deputy officers committed suicide two days apart, leaving their son orphaned.
Deputies Clayton Osteen, and Victoria Pacheco were killed by Ken Mascara of St Lucie County. Both were on duty since November 2019 and February 2020 respectively.
Mascara explained that the sheriff’s department received a call shortly before midnight New Year’s Eve about a suicide attempt.
According to investigators, the man who attempted suicide was Osteen, a deputy who was not on duty at the time.
Osteen was initially able to survive and was then taken to the hospital. His family later decided to take him off life support.
Osteen’s colleague, partner and mother Pacheco (his one-month old son) took her own lives a day later.
Mascara said, “Words are not enough to express our profound loss after the death of these two family members in our sheriff’s department,”
Authorities are not able to speculate on the cause of the deaths or what they might have done, however Sheriff Mascara said in his statement, that deputies frequently deal with stress and are “human.”
Clayton Osteen (left), and Victoria Pacheco, both St Lucie County Sheriff’s Deputies, died in suicides last week.
They had just given birth to their first baby together in November, a boy. Osteen Pacheco is pictured with Pacheco at the September baby shower
Jayce Osteen was left orphaned by his parents, both of whom were sheriff’s deputy officers.
“While we can’t fully grasp the personal circumstances leading to this terrible loss, however, we hope this tragedy acts as a catalyst of change and a catalyst to reduce stigma surrounding mental well being, normalize conversation about the many challenges that so many face,’ sheriff said.
Osteen is a US Marine veteran who previously served as a rifleman for 3rd Battalion 2nd Marine Regiment.
In May 2015, he enlisted and was featured on a YouTube video that shows him training in Brunei’s jungles in 2016.
Osteen and Pacheco were blessed with their first child, a boy, mid-November.
Osteen, pictured above cradling his girlfriend’s pregnant belly, attempted to take his life on New Year’s Eve and was taken off life support two days later
Osteen, a former US Marine who served as a rifleman in the 3rd Battalion and 2nd Marine Regiment, was retired.
Just one day after her deceased partner, this young mother of one took her own lives.
Friends shared their memories and photos on social media of the sad couple.
Ray Tourville shared a Facebook post about Osteen: “A true brother lost its internal struggle,” It’s difficult to find the right words to express my gratitude for him. I’m incredibly sorry that you felt this was your only option.’
You can make a donation in support of baby Jayce by clicking here Here. For him to receive the cash, please write “Jayce Osteen” in the comments box.
- Call the National Suicide Prevention Line at 1-800-273-8255 for confidential assistance