SPRING HILL, Fla. (WFLA) — A Florida mother of two was kidnapped and killed by a Pinellas County deputy who then died by suicide Monday, according to authorities.

Pasco County Sheriff Chris Nocco and Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri held a joint press conference Monday night to share more details on what Gualtieri described as a “horrific situation.”

Nocco said the victim and her two children, ages 9 and 12, had just returned from a trip to the beach when they found the suspect, Deputy Troy Savetz, 47, in the front yard of their Hudson home.

“They went from the best day of their lives probably to the worst day of their lives,” Nocco said.

Savetz and the victim had been in a “tumultuous” on and off again relationship, according to authorities. Officials said Savetz began arguing with the victim over a TV set and took her phone when she tried to call 911.

The victim then told her children to run inside and call 911. Nocco said the children “did a phenomenal job” by calmly giving dispatchers the information they needed.

“We listened to that 911 tape and we know that your mother said to go inside, save your lives and call 911,” Nocco said. “Your mom is looking down from heaven, and she is so proud of you… You two did the right thing, you did exactly what your mom wanted you to do.”

Law enforcement officers were dispatched to the home, but the victim and Savetz were gone by the time they arrived. Nocco said the door was open and the victim’s phone had been left at the property.

Investigators then learned Savetz had kidnapped the victim in a rental vehicle, which they tracked to Platinum Drive. Detectives said they found both Savetz and the victim dead inside the vehicle.

Authorities have not yet released the victim’s name. Nocco said her two children are now in the care of their biological father.

“Know this entire community is praying for you. Our arms are around you,” the sheriff said, addressing the two children.

According to Gualtieri, Savetz had worked for the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office for 14 years and was assigned to the Marine Unit. He condemned Savetz’s actions Monday night, calling what he did “inexcusable.”

“There is no reason to have a permanent solution to a temporary problem,” Gualtieri said. “Obviously [there were] some mental health issues with him. It is a very horrific situation, to say the very least.”

“He put those kids in harm’s way. There’s no reason why he did what he did,” Nocco added. “The moment this individual committed a crime he was no longer a law enforcement officer. He was a criminal.”

Detectives were still investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident Monday night and no further information was immediately available.