Today is March 1, 2026, and the small town of Belleview is grappling with the aftermath of a tragic incident that struck the community just days ago. On February 27, the Belleview Police Department responded to a 911 call and discovered the bodies of two individuals in the backyard of a home in the 5800 block of Southeast Babb Road. The victims have been identified as Kathryn Kirby, 43, and Troy McDermitt, 45. Both lived in the residence, and reports indicate that McDermitt was in the process of moving out.
The investigation revealed that McDermitt shot Kirby with a 30-06 rifle before turning the weapon on himself. This devastating event has been classified as a domestic violence murder-suicide. Both individuals had children from previous relationships, but not together. The bodies of Kirby and McDermitt were found less than 20 feet apart, highlighting the shocking nature of this crime. The Marion County Sheriff’s Office is assisting the Belleview Police Department with the ongoing investigation, which is still in its early stages.
Recent Trends in Domestic Violence
This incident is not an isolated case. The Belleview Police Department reported that they last investigated a domestic violence murder in 2017 when Frank Friday shot Sariah Dixon before taking his own life. Since the beginning of 2026, there have been six documented incidents of domestic violence in Marion County, with four arrests made and two cases still pending. Just weeks prior, on February 10, Ralph Bacon, 38, allegedly shot his estranged wife, Nancy Bacon, 34, and their four-year-old daughter, Eden Barker-Wickramarachchi, before fleeing to Georgia, where he ultimately took his own life. On February 19, a separate incident led to the tragic death of three-year-old Paisley Brown, prompting the arrest of 32-year-old Jeroen Jarrel Coombs for severe child abuse.
The statistics are alarming; in 2025, the Belleview Police Department investigated 46 domestic violence cases, resulting in 31 arrests, with two more individuals having outstanding warrants. These incidents reflect a troubling trend that has captured the attention of law enforcement and community leaders alike.
The Broader Context of Domestic Violence
Domestic violence encompasses both intimate partner violence and familial violence. According to the Federal Criminal Police Office, in 2024, there were 171,069 reported victims of intimate partner violence in Germany alone, with a significant 80% being women. Additionally, the report highlighted that 132 women and 24 men lost their lives due to partner-related violence that year. The troubling rise in domestic violence cases, including a marked increase in digital violence, is a critical issue that underscores the necessity for awareness and support for victims.
In Marion County, individuals who suspect domestic violence can reach out to CASA Marion at (352) 722-2272 for assistance. This local organization is dedicated to providing resources and support to those affected by domestic abuse, embodying the community’s commitment to tackling this pervasive issue.
As Belleview processes this tragic event, it’s essential to remember that domestic violence can take many forms, including psychological, physical, and economic abuse. The need for support systems and intervention remains crucial as we strive to create a safer environment for all.
For further details on the tragic incident involving Kathryn Kirby and Troy McDermitt, visit the full article by the Ocala Star-Banner here.
For more information on domestic violence statistics and support systems, you can access the detailed report from the Federal Criminal Police Office here.