Judge Denied Nurse's Protective Order Before Ex Fatally Shot Her

A Florida judge is being asked to resign after denying a woman’s protective order against her ex-boyfriend, two days before he killed herlast week.

Audrey Peterson, 61, was fatally shot by her ex-boyfriend, 71-year-old Francis Scoza, on Feb. 9 while she was running towards a neighbor’s home looking help, FOX affiliate WTVT reported, citing Clearwater police.

According to the outlet, Peterson and Scoza were in a long-term relationship that ended recently. It’s unclear exactly when the relationship ended.

Police said Scoza forced his way into Peterson’s home through the back and fired at her while she was fleeing. According to WTVT, Peterson was shot multiple times and collapsed in front of the neighbor’s home. Scoza then turned the gun on himself.

Court records reviewed by HuffPost show Peterson filed a domestic injunction against Scoza two days before he attacked her, accusing him of stalking.

Peterson’s case included a petition seeking protection from Scoza, but her temporary protection was denied by Pinellas-Pasco Circuit Judge Doneene Loar, according to court documents obtained by HuffPost.

The petition alleged that Scoza sent Peterson several unsettling text messages in regards to their ended relationship. It also claimed Scoza had handguns “in his condo and possibly in his car.”

Peterson also mentioned in the Petition an instance where she was verbally abused by Scoza on Jan. 29 at a local sports bar. She later messaged him later that day to leave her alone, but he responded “NEVER,” according to the petition.

According to the petition, Scoza drove behind Peterson’s home on Feb. 2, claiming he wanted to see his dogs, and revved his engine before speeding off.

Judge Doneene Loar ultimately denied the petition.

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