Former area woman killed in brother’s shooting rampage

A former Austin woman died after becoming one of several victims who were allegedly gunned down by her brother in Florida on Jan. 14.

According to published reports, Kathryn Kalisz Donovan had requested protection from her brother, John Kalisz, more than a year before he allegedly shot her and her business partner at Donovan’s home in Brooksville, FL. Donovan had reportedly confronted Kalisz in December 2008, alleging that he had molested her two daughters, who were ages 17 and 30 at the time. Donovan petitioned the 5th Circuit Court of Florida for protection, maintaining that after the confrontation he became threatening and assaulted a friend with a knife in her home. She called Kalisz “armed and dangerous.” The petition did not go through.

Donovan, 61, was recognized as an authority on color and its effect on people. Born in St. Marys, she had taught art in her home while living in Austin and her youngest daughter, Manessa, attended school in Austin.

Kalisz, 55, allegedly entered Donovan’s home on the afternoon of Jan. 14 and, finding her on a porch at the rear of the residence, shot her three times, then continued inside and shot Deborah Buckley Tillotson, 59, four times. Tillotson managed Donovan’s home-based business. Police said both women died at the scene.

Kalisz also allegedly shot Donovan’s 18-year-old daughter, Manessa, whom he had allegedly molested. She was shot four times and survived but lost the child she was expecting.

Police said Amy Wilson, 33, was working in a carport nearby and was shot at least twice, once while Kalisz stood over her after she fell.

Kalisz fled and called a friend to confess to the shooting, also allegedly saying he would shoot any police who tried to stop him. He’s accused of subsequently shooting a Dixie County sheriff’s captain. Kalisz was shot himself and taken to a Gainsville, FL hospital.