PCSO: Fight over doughnut led to shooting that killed 1, injured deputy

LEALMAN (FOX 13) - A doughnut, officials say, was what started a fight that ended in one man's death and the injury of a deputy in unincorporated St. Petersburg Wednesday.

It started Wednesday sometime before 9 a.m. at a mobile home on 80th Way North. Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri says a mentally ill man took out his rage on his mother's fiance by shooting an killing him.  

The sheriff's office said Susan DiFabbio called 911 after fighting with her son, Jeffrey Falsey.

Falsey and DiFabbio, as well as DiFabbio's fiance, Daniel Kulwicki, were fighting because Falsey wanted DiFabbio to get him doughnuts, the sheriff said. 

Two deputies were dispatched to the residence. When they arrived, DiFabbio came out, but Falsey and Kulwicki were still inside. Deputies knocked on the door and someone yelled for them to come inside.

The sheriff's office said deputies did not go inside for reasons of officer safety. Instead, they started talking to Falsey through the door. That's when they heard "a significant number of gunshots" from inside the mobile home. The deputies retreated, taking cover behind vehicles parked nearby. 

The deputies say shots continued to ring out, being fired in their direction. 

When Deputy Michael Ficocelli went to his patrol car to get his rifle, he was hit by one of the bullets on the back of his leg. The sheriff's office said his injury was not life-threatening. 

The sheriff also said about 30 rounds were fired at deputies from the mobile home.

SWAT and a negotiator were called, but when they talked to Falsey, they learned he had shot and killed Kulwicki. Falsey surrendered after talking with the negotiator, just after 11 a.m.

Detectives said they found several guns and ammunition inside the trailer. Falsey has been arrested for domestic violence in the past. 

Falsey is facing charges for murder, attempted murder and aggravated assault. He is expected to appear in court Thursday.