Ross Coyle, 74, was shot and killed inside a friend’s Port Richey home in the early morning hours of January 28, 2025. Coyle, a cabinet maker originally from North Collins, New York, had spent the evening of January 27 at the residence for dinner, bringing steaks and a bottle of wine. He was found in a recliner with a gunshot wound, transported to a hospital and pronounced dead.

A 911 call came from 61-year-old John Hainlin, who told dispatch he had just shot someone. Hainlin was arrested and charged with second-degree homicide after investigators concluded the victim was his friend, not an intruder. Hainlin gave conflicting statements about whether he had earlier called an Uber for a guest and later claimed he fired in self-defense; detectives found no signs of forced entry and no rideshare apps on his phone.

Coyle is survived by his wife Maria and three children. The family has organized a GoFundMe to cover medical and moving costs as they plan to relocate Maria for care; visitation and funeral services were held in North Collins. Did anyone witness Coyle leaving the dinner or notice him after he arrived at Hainlin’s that night?