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Deputies: Estranged husband killed Polk County teacher, vice principal in gun battle

BRANDON, Fla. — BRANDON, Fla. (AP) - Deputies say an estranged husband burst into a home and killed his wife and her partner during a gun battle before killing himself.

The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office released details Saturday of the shooting that left Polk County middle school math teacher Lisa Fuillerat and vice principal Samara Routenberg dead. Detectives say Vincente Fuillerat then killed himself.

According to the Tampa Bay Times, deputies say Vincente Fuillerat broke into Routenberg's home early Friday armed with a shotgun and wearing a bulletproof vest. The women armed themselves with handguns and a firefight ensued. Vincente Fuillerat killed the women and then shot himself.

The women worked at Lake Gibson Middle School in Polk County and lived as a couple.

A hearing on Lisa Fuilerat's divorce petition had been scheduled for Friday afternoon.

Polk County School Superintendent Jacqueline M. Byrd released the following statement on Saturday on the deaths of Routenberg and Fuillerat:

"We are shocked and heartbroken today by this tragic news. The loss that we feel is very difficult to put into words. Samara and Lisa were caring educators at Lake Gibson Middle. They were dedicated to serving the youth of our community. They were positive role models for their students, and a source of strength and knowledge for fellow colleagues. A crisis team will be available on campus Monday for any students or staff members who would like counseling. Please keep your thoughts and prayers with their loved ones during this painful time."

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Information from: Tampa Bay Times (St. Petersburg, Fla.), http://www.tampabay.com.