A Florida man allegedly walked into his $1.5 million home, unleashed a barrage of bullets at his girlfriend as she stood near the front door, and then drove to a hotel room he had booked minutes earlier using reward points, according to the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office. Todd Wegrich, 53, stands accused of first-degree murder in the death of his 42-year-old girlfriend, who has not been publicly identified. The chilling sequence of events ended with a SWAT standoff at The Ben Hotel in downtown West Palm Beach, where Wegrich allegedly barricaded himself on the seventh floor before being gassed out.
Background
Deputies first learned of the shooting on Friday after family members, whom Wegrich allegedly contacted to admit he had killed her, called police. Officers arrived at the home in Loxahatchee and observed several defects consistent with gunshots. After forcing their way inside, they found the victim just inside the front door suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. She was pronounced dead at the scene.
Neighbors reported hearing loud noises around 1 p.m. and seeing Wegrich leave the home carrying a bag. Security footage from a nearby residence showed two cars arriving at the home shortly before 12:30 p.m. Wegrich and the victim exited their respective vehicles and entered through the garage. At 1 p.m., audio captured seven gunshots. Ten minutes later, Wegrich walked out of the home and drove away in his Mercedes.
Cellphone data placed Wegrich at The Ben Hotel in West Palm Beach. Investigators determined that he had booked a room at the hotel using reward points minutes before the shooting occurred. Local ABC affiliate WPBF reported that Wegrich’s alleged actions mirrored those of his father, John Wegrich, who was accused of shooting and killing his girlfriend two decades ago. In January 2002, John Wegrich was wanted for that killing, along with a dozen bank robberies, and was later shot and killed by the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office.
The Charges
The Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office charged Todd Wegrich with first-degree murder. A probable cause arrest affidavit cited the security footage, neighbor testimonies, and the suspect's admission to family members. Authorities have not released a motive for the slaying. Wegrich moved into the gated community home in May after relocating from Ocala, according to WPBF.
Key Takeaways
- Todd Wegrich, 53, is charged with first-degree murder in the death of his 42-year-old girlfriend in Loxahatchee, Fla.
- Security footage captured seven gunshots at the home; the victim was found just inside the front door.
- Wegrich allegedly booked a hotel room with reward points minutes before the shooting and drove there after leaving the scene.
- A SWAT team gassed Wegrich out of his barricaded seventh-floor room at The Ben Hotel in West Palm Beach.
- Wegrich’s father, John Wegrich, was allegedly wanted for a similar crime—killing his girlfriend—two decades prior.
What's Next
Todd Wegrich remains in the Palm Beach County Jail without bond. His next court appearance is scheduled for Oct. 5. Investigators continue to review evidence, including the timeline of his hotel booking relative to the shooting, while authorities withhold further details on a potential motive.