UPDATE: Charges released; victim identified - Standoff in Homosassa ends with one victim deceased and suspect in custody
UPDATE: Suspect charged in Homosassa standoff and victim identified
Citrus County Sheriff's Office, August 9, 2025
Homosassa, Florida - The Citrus County Sheriff's Office (CCSO) has filed charges against 37 year-old Michael Lee McClellan in connection with the August 8, 2025 standoff on S. Palmer Avenue. McClellan has been charged with second degree murder and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.
The victim has been identified as 45-year-old Sadie Marie Gochis of Homosassa. Gochis was found deceased inside the residence following McClellan's arrest.
As the case remains under active investigation, no further details will be released at this time, according to CCSO Community Relations Specialist Haleigh Perez.
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Citrus County Sheriff's Office
Homosassa, Florida - About 9:00 a.m. on Friday morning, August, 8, 2025, the Citrus County Sheriff's Office (CCSO) received an emergency call that reported a domestic disturbance involving gunfire at a residence located at 6335 S. Palmer Avenue in Homosassa.
Patrol deputies quickly arrived at the location and immediately heard gunshots coming from within the residence.
A juvenile boy, who had been inside the home at the time of the initial shots, had safely escaped from the residence where the disturbance had occurred to a nearby residence, and provided critical information to communications officers, that enabled deputies to establish a secure perimeter around the home.
Preliminary details indicated that 37 year-old Michael Lee McClellan was armed, inside the residence, and had possibly shot and injured a woman, who was believed to still be a hostage inside the home.
Due to the nature of the incident, the Citrus County Sheriff's Office deployed its SWAT (Special Weapons And Tactics) and Crisis Negotiation teams and received additional support from the Marion County Sheriff's Office SWAT Team.
Negotiators maintained consistent communication with McClellan throughout the standoff situation. At approximately 1:18 p.m., after several hours of negotiations, the incident was resolved when McClellan surrendered and was taken into custody. Once the scene was secured, SWAT members entered the home and discovered an adult woman, inside the home, deceased.
"This was an emotional and dangerous situation from the start," said Citrus County Sheriff David Vincent. "Our teams remained calm; focused, and worked tenaciously to prevent further loss of life. While we're grateful the situation didn't escalate further, we're saddened by the tragic outcome. Our hearts go out to the family of the victim."
"The Citrus County Sheriff's Office extends its gratitude to Citrus County Fire Rescue for their swift response and care in treating minor heat-related issues among personnel on scene," said CCSO Community Relations Specialist Haleigh Perez. "Marion County Sheriff Billy Woods and the Marion County Sheriff's Office SWAT team also provided rapid, professional support that was key to ensuring a safe outcome, and we are thankful for their aid. The investigation remains ongoing. Further details, including charges against McClellan, will be released as they become available."