Simonne Say, age 17, died as part of a suicide pact with her mother, Elizabeth Genthner (pictured). Simonne, who went by Sammi, was homeschooled.
Genthner “had a history of mental illness, drug-related arrests, and alcohol abuse.” Simonne was removed from Genthner’s home in 2001 due to felony child neglect, but reunited with her in 2002. In the early 2010s, Genthner began to homeschool Simonne, who was being bullied at school. Simonne was removed from Genthner’s home again in December 2014 due to neglect; Genthner spoke at the time of committing suicide with her daughter. Simonne was returned to Genthner’s care in July 2015. Counselors described Genthner as “highly manipulative of…her daughter”, and a neighbor reported that Simonne was afraid of Genthner.
Genthner and Simonne were found shot to death December 4, although they may have died November 27, Simonne’s birthday. A note by Genthner at the scene described Simonne’s death as a suicide; regardless of whose finger pulled the trigger, it is likely that Simonne was coerced by Genthner. Officials have not yet ruled on whether Simonne’s death was a suicide or murder.
Date: December 4, 2015
Location: Largo, Florida
>
| Documents: | Date: |
| Largo police investigating shooting deaths of mother, daughter | 12-05-2015 |
| Signs point to double suicide of Largo mother and daughter under state care | 01-22-2016 |
