St. Petersburg, Florida – Gregory Shinn, a 48-year-old man, has been charged with first-degree murder in the death of his girlfriend, 59-year-old Katrin Simpson, in their St. Petersburg home in February. Initially believed to be a suicide by hanging, further investigations revealed evidence pointing towards foul play.
First responders arrived at the scene around 11:30 p.m. on Feb. 20, finding Simpson hanging by a wire in the garage. Despite efforts to save her, she was pronounced dead. Shinn claimed to have found her body and immediately sought help from a neighbor.
However, authorities noted bruising on Simpson’s face and other injuries inconsistent with suicide, leading to suspicions. A neighbor came forward, stating that Simpson had expressed fear of Shinn causing harm if she were to die. Simpson had also previously disclosed incidents of domestic violence perpetrated by Shinn.
The medical examiner’s findings indicated that Simpson’s death was a homicide caused by strangulation, blunt force trauma, and drug toxicity. Subsequent investigations revealed DNA evidence linking Shinn to the crime scene, contradicting his earlier statements.
Shinn was arrested on Tuesday and is currently detained without bond at Pinellas County Jail. The arrest brought relief to Simpson’s friends and neighbors, who had long suspected foul play. Statements from those who knew Simpson expressed relief at the progress in the case and hope for justice for the victim.