Deputies: Husband pulled trigger in apparent Palm Harbor murder-suicide

Don Campbell, a popular former teacher at Tarpon Springs Middle School, shot his wife before turning the gun on himself early Wednesday in the couple’s Palm Harbor home, authorities said today.

According to Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office spokeswoman Cecilia Barreda, investigators found a note at the scene where the bodies of Campbell, 67, and Joanna Campbell, 66, were found by neighbors.

At this time, the Sheriff’s Office is declining to say what the note said.

“We can’t talk about the content,” Barreda said.

No other information has been released as to a possible motive. Doug Zipperer, senior pastor at First United Methodist Church of Tarpon Springs, where Don and Joanna Campbell were members, said Joanna Campbell “had some medical issues, but it was under treatment and nothing I would consider terminal.”

“They were fine people,” Zipperer added. “It’s just unbelievable.”

Midday Wednesday, some of Campbell's neighbors became concerned that the couple hadn’t been seen outside their home. One of them had a key, so they entered the house to check on the two. Don and Joanna Campbell were found dead in their bedroom.

--Keith Niebuhr, Times Staff Writer
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Comments

[Jessica]

I loved him as a substitute. May he rest in peace.

[Vankaye]

Jessica, Did you read the story? He murdered his wife and then blew his own brains out... You think people like that get to rest at peace?
What about his innocent wife? How is she resting?

You are an idiot. I'll bet you feel bad for the poor dead terrorists too...

[Shannon]

It is hard to believe that they are gone. My prayers go out to their family, especially their daughter, Kelly. May the both RIP They will be missed

[colorchanger]

My thoughts and prayers are with the children of this couple.
He may have shot her accidentally, and turned the gun on himself in guilt.

[taxpaying gal]

Dearest Vankaye,

Geez Louiz, take it easy on Jessica - huh? By her statement that she "loved him as a substitute" - it's quite apparent that this is a student. Don't be such a hostile entity on this blog. She was simply offering condolences.

YOU, my friend, have become the IDIOT!!!

Sincerely,
Carol

[anonymous]

Vankaye ~ You should not comment anymore. You have no idea what the issues were with this couple and is really none of your business. May Don and Joanna rest in peace.

[Grannyinfla]

Vankaye, could you be any more cruel? Wow, I dont understand that kind of angry rant. You are one unhappy person. I'm going to wish that you live in peace.

[Holly]

Vankaye, Sunday Don told me that he didn't know if he could handle the pain that his wife was enduring 24/7. He said that some days were worse than others. He had to give up a sub job on Friday because his wife was in so much pain & he wanted to be with her. They were so much in love. Any time he spoke of her, you could see the love for Jo in his eyes. How dare you!!!!!

Prayers go out to Kelly & may Don & Jo rest in peace.

[ToddRules]

It'a always the man's fault, blame the man. There are 2 sides to every story, why don't we wait and get all the facts here ?? Don Campbell was a mellow school teacher, so wifey musta done something to make him flip his wig. Maybe she was on the dope, or high on pills and booze, maybe he was, who knows. It really doesn't matter a whole lot now, does it ??

[guest]

Holly, could you please contact the Pinellas County Sheriffs Office at 582-5808

[doubledutch]

Mr. Campbell was one of the best teachers we ever had at Tarpon Springs Middle. He was so normal,cool,respectful, and was a great teacher. He wasn't bi-polar like the rest of the teachers. I had heard he had health problems at some point years ago. As far as I know everyone thought he was a great man. Reserve your judgement you Minority Report future predicting internet heathens! Let the sheriffs research the facts and find the truth, before you cast your aspersions. Go back to watching NANCY GRACE and adjudicating guilt at every whim without benefit of understanding the situation.

[angelbaby0187]

ANYONE who has anything bad to say about Don and Joanna have no idea who they were or what their life was like. Don would never do anything to hurt a hair on Joanna's head if he could prevent it he was so in love with her and her with him. They both had so much they were dealing with. Please if you have nothing nice to say out of respect for the family and friends do not say anything at all. because Don should be remembered for the great teacher he was the man who loved to play pranks and jokes with cards and coins etc. and a man who would do anything for his wife and family anything and Joanna should be remembered for one of the most selfless people in the world who on her good days her eyes had a twinkle and she had the kind touch. she was so sweet and kind and loving. both of them cared for so many and touched so many peoples lives and its wrong for people to judge them when obviously THEY DO NOT KNOW THEM! If they did they would not judge at all they would hope that finally this loving couple can finally get the peace that they have been LONG overdue!!!!

[lilmissnicki]

This story breaks my heart. Mr. Campbell was my favorite teacher back in the day and I was so appreciative for him. He was a cool teacher and a good person. I do not know the facts about this investigation, but I can comment on what I do know...That he will be remebered and missed. I pray for his family and all that knew him, his family and friends.XoXo