Marion County deputies charged a Dunnellon man Tuesday with allegedly staging a home invasion to cover up the murder of his girlfriend.
- Deputies charge Dunnellon man with allegedly staging home invasion
- Suspect says he shot girlfriend after an "out-of-body" experience
- RELATED: 1 person shot in Dunnellon home invasion, deputies say
David Romig, 52, was arrested on charges of second-degree murder, tampering with evidence by staging a crime scene, and false reporting of a crime.
On Jan. 30, Romig reported to deputies that an armed intruder entered his home on 10499 SW 122nd Court. He told them that his girlfriend, Sally Kaufmann-Ruff, 64, was shot during an altercation with the intruder.
Kaufmann-Ruff was transported to a hospital in critical condition, but she later died from her injuries.
Investigators later found Romig’s DNA on items Romig claimed were from the intruder, says a news release. Romig also reportedly sent incriminating text messages to detectives.
Romig alleges that he had an “out-of-body” experience. Deputies say Romig told them he felt like he was wrestling with himself and the gun went off, shooting Kaufmann-Ruff in the head.
He reportedly said he staged a home invasion because he blacked out.
Romig is being held with no bond in Marion County Jail.