Suspect in deadly shooting investigation dies by suicide

Published: Updated:
David Kolenda (Credit: Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office)

The Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office told WINK News that a suspect in a recent deadly shooting died by suicide while in custody. This happened just before 12:30 p.m. on Saturday.

David Kolenda, 63, was arrested after a shooting last Sunday in Charlotte County left one woman dead. Now, Kolenda has taken his own life.

Detention deputies at the Charlotte County Jail say they went to Kolenda’s cell after observing him on video in what appeared to be a suicide attempt. That’s when deputies observed the 63-year-old man in his cell with a cloth around his neck.

Those deputies and Corizon Health staff sprang into action and attempted life-saving measures, including using a defibrillator and CPR. EMS was also called to the scene but, Kolenda could not be resuscitated.

Kolenda was being held on murder and aggravated battery charges. He was assigned to the quarantine unit of the Charlotte County Jail. Following COVID-19 protocols, Kolenda was set to be checked on every 30 minutes. His last check was at noon on Saturday. Deputies saw the video footage at 12:24 p.m. and immediately rushed over.

The Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office says this remains an active investigation.

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