James Edward Rapp, 67, and his roommate Paula Witthaus, 54, were found murdered inside their St. Petersburg home at 2840 17th Avenue North on January 28, 2014. Both victims were discovered dead in the residence; police describe the scene as particularly violent but have not released specific details about the manner of death.

The St. Petersburg Police Department has treated the deaths as a double homicide and continues to investigate. No arrests have been made and investigators have not announced any suspects. Witthaus was active in the community and a student at the University of South Florida St. Petersburg, which amplified the shock felt by friends and family.

Anyone with information about what happened at the 17th Avenue North home on January 28, 2014 is asked to contact the St. Petersburg Police Department.