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Events leading up to Windermere officer's killing still unclear

WINDERMERE, Fla. — Two days after the killing of Windermere police Officer Robert German, Orange County Sheriff's investigators are still trying to determine why two teen suspects were in the Windermere area in the first place.

Authorities said Brandon Goode, 18, and his girlfriend, Alexandria Hollinghurst, 17, both of Davenport, were together when one of them shot and killed the 31-year-old German.

Authorities said German called for backup and crews from the Orange County Sheriff's Office, Orlando Police Department and Ocoee Police Department responded. German was rushed to the hospital and later died from his injuries.

Investigators said they may never know what led to the shooting or why Goode and Hollinghurst were in Windermere because both teens died from apparent self-inflicted gunshot wounds close to where German was shot on Conroy Windermere Road and Horizon Circle.

"Our detectives are trying to piece together a timeline, a mindset to figure out what led to this tragic series of events," said sheriff's spokeswoman Jane Watrel.

"It's a very difficult time," said Mayor Gary Bruhn.
 
Across Windermere, widespread tributes to the fallen officer serve as a sobering reminder.
 
"His mom said he loved going to work, he loved his job and he loved Windermere," said Bruhn.
 
Windermere's police force consists of 10 officers. Orange County deputies have picked up patrols while the department mourns the death of German.

"Our officers, our chief is working with the family to meet their needs," said Bruhn.

Channel 9 learned Monday that investigators in Polk County found suicide notes from each of the teenagers last week.

"They were entered into the system so if someone ran their names they would see they were missing, endangered and suicidal out of Polk County," said Watrel.

German's funeral is set for Thursday.

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