Couple was divorcing, records show

NORTH PORT - Police say a man shot and killed his wife at a Sarasota County courthouse in Venice, then fled to his home in Northport.

The man was killed in a shooting at his home, but investigators have not said whether police shot him, or if he shot himself.

Police identified the couple as Alan and Carolyn Provencal, both age 69. Court records show they were in the middle of a divorce.

"We know that she had a 4:30 appointment. We know that the suspect was the defendant in that 430 appointment. All the specifics, we don't have at this time," said Sarasota sheriff spokeswoman Wendy Rose.

The courthouse shooting happened at the Robert L. Anderson administration center in Venice.
Police say the Provencals came to the courthouse together, then the husband pulled out a gun and shot her several times.

Witnesses ran into the courthouse and said there was a person with a gun, called 911, and heard shots outside. They went back outside and found Carolyn Provencal shot in head. The suspect had left the scene.

Police were able to identify Carolyn Provencal, and based on her information, they went to the Alan Provencal's home in Northport.

"We know who the victim is and why she was here," said public information officer Wendy Rose.

Police say Alan Provencal still had a gun and raised it officers. They say they shot twice, killing him.