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Venice Today
By the People, for the People
Two Killed in Separate Sarasota County Homicides
Police investigating a fight that left one dead in Venice and an arrest in a North Port homicide
Apr. 6, 2026 at 4:52pm
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The harsh, unforgiving light of a police investigation shines on a key piece of evidence, underscoring the gravity of these tragic Sarasota County homicides.Venice TodayTwo separate homicide investigations unfolded in south Sarasota County over the weekend and early Monday, with deaths reported in Venice and North Port. In Venice, police responded to a reported fight that left one man dead, with another person detained and questioned. In North Port, police arrested a 46-year-old man, Coy Bothwell, and charged him with second-degree murder without premeditation in the death of Tiffany Schiessl, 32, who shared a residence with the suspect.
Why it matters
Homicides are rare in the Sarasota County area, and these two incidents have shaken the local communities. The police are working to determine the motives and circumstances behind these tragic events to ensure public safety and provide justice for the victims and their families.
The details
In Venice, officers responded to a reported fight around 6 a.m. on Monday and found an unresponsive adult man, who was pronounced dead at the scene. A second individual was detained and is being questioned by detectives. In North Port, police were first alerted to what was initially reported as a burglary on the morning of April 5, but when they arrived, they found Tiffany Schiessl, 32, dead inside the residence. Police arrested Coy Bothwell, 46, who allegedly confessed to detectives that he killed Schiessl on April 4. Bothwell and Schiessl shared the residence and knew each other.
- On April 5, police were alerted to a reported burglary in North Port.
- On April 4, Coy Bothwell allegedly killed Tiffany Schiessl.
- On April 6 around 6 a.m., police responded to a reported fight in Venice that left one man dead.
The players
Coy Bothwell
A 46-year-old man who was arrested and charged with second-degree murder without premeditation in the death of Tiffany Schiessl in North Port.
Tiffany Schiessl
A 32-year-old woman who was found dead inside a residence in North Port. She shared the residence with Coy Bothwell.
What they’re saying
“I'm incredibly proud of the swift action and dedication shown by our Criminal Investigations Division and Crime Scene Unit. Because of their hard work and commitment, this individual is behind bars tonight.”
— Chief Todd Garrison, North Port Police Chief
“This is not a random act of violence.”
— Brittany Kammerer, Public Information Officer
What’s next
The police investigations are ongoing, and more details may be released as they become available. The Venice Police Department and North Port Police Department are working to determine the motives and circumstances behind these tragic events.
The takeaway
These two separate homicide incidents in Sarasota County have shaken the local communities, and the police are working diligently to ensure public safety and provide justice for the victims and their families. The swift action and dedication of the law enforcement agencies involved have led to an arrest in the North Port case, but the investigations are still ongoing to fully understand the circumstances behind these tragic events.
