A shocking and violent incident took place in Spring Hill, Florida, on July 15, when Francis Edward Tully Jr., a 58-year-old man, allegedly shot at his wife and her two friends.
The incident happened just before midnight, when the group was trying to ensure the wife safely returned home after staying away for a few days because of concerns over her husband’s violent temper. Tully is facing multiple charges, including three counts of attempted murder.
The Events Leading Up to the Shooting
According to the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office, the wife had left the home because of ongoing issues in her marriage, fearing her husband’s aggressive behavior. She had met two people outside a store who agreed to help her return safely.
While she remained inside the car, one of her friends walked up to the front door to inform Tully that his wife was home. At that moment, Tully allegedly began firing shots, hitting the car and sending the woman running back to safety.
The Shooting Incident
Tully reportedly fired at least 27 rounds during the incident. Five shots went through a window in the front of the house, while others were fired from within the house. The victims, who were not armed and did not make any threats, fled the scene, but fortunately, none of them were injured.
Tully later admitted to firing the shots but claimed he did so because he believed his wife had been “taken” by her friends. He said he only wanted to “scare them.” When questioned, he made conflicting statements about whether any of the victims had been armed or attempted to enter the house.
He also allegedly called 911, saying he was “ready to blow their heads off” and warning that anyone who returned would be “dead.”
Tully’s Arrest and Legal Consequences
Tully was arrested by deputies and taken to the Pasco County Jail, where he was held on a $450,000 bond. He pleaded not guilty to the charges and has been assigned a public defender.
The case has left the community shaken, with authorities taking the matter seriously due to Tully’s violent history and the terrifying nature of the incident.
This horrifying episode highlights the dangers of domestic violence and the lengths some individuals will go to when dealing with personal conflicts. While no one was physically harmed in the shooting, the trauma of the event will likely affect the victims for a long time.
Tully’s arrest serves as a reminder of the importance of addressing issues of violence before they escalate to such dangerous levels. The legal process will now determine the consequences for his actions.
