A shocking series of shootings in Florida has put 51-year-old Susan Avalon in the spotlight as she faces a second-degree murder charge after two of her former husbands were killed.
The Manatee County Shooting
On Wednesday, deputies in Manatee County were called to a residence after a man was shot while answering his front door. Sheriff Rick Wells recounted the exchange: “One of the questions that deputies asked him is, ‘Who could have done this to you?’ And he says, possibly my ex-wife.” The victim later died from his injuries at a local hospital.
The 15-year-old child who was at the home heard the gunfire, told deputies that three shots were fired and that a Honda Odyssey drove away. Authorities believe the suspect was posing as a food-delivery driver during the incident. The teen also described the suspect wearing a gray sweatshirt and a surgical mask.
Tracking the Suspect
Investigators combed through surveillance footage and used license-plate readers to locate Avalon, who was discovered to owe approximately $4,000 in child support to her ex-husband. On Thursday, officers arrived at Avalon’s house to question her. They observed her leaving the house with bleach and cleaning rags, apparently to wipe down the Odyssey.
Sheriff Wells explained the encounter: “We approach her, detectives let her know that they are there to speak about her ex-husband,” he said. “She says, ‘Which one?’ We only know one.”
Connections to the Tampa Incident
After questioning Avalon’s boyfriend, who claimed that Avalon had made derogatory remarks about both of her former husbands that day, detectives reached out to law enforcement in Tampa. A wellness check was conducted at the residence of Avalon’s other ex-husband.
Tampa police reported damage to the rear door of the house. Tampa Bay Police Department entered the residence and confirmed that the second ex-husband had also been shot and killed. Officials believe that Avalon first killed her ex-husband in Tampa before returning to Manatee County to carry out the second shooting.
Legal Proceedings and Current Status
Avalon is currently held without bond in Manatee County and faces one charge of second-degree murder. She is scheduled to appear before a judge again on January 2. Charges are also likely pending in Tampa, according to officials.
Sheriff Wells described the situation as “bizarre,” noting that the pattern of violence was not something he would expect.
Key Takeaways
- Susan Avalon, 51, is charged with second-degree murder after two ex-husbands were shot.
- The first shooting occurred in Tampa, followed by a second in Manatee County.
- Authorities believe Avalon posed as a food-delivery driver and used a Honda Odyssey to flee.
- Avalon is held without bond and will appear before a judge on January 2.
The case continues to unfold as investigators piece together the timeline of events and the motives behind the tragic killings.
Closing Thoughts
The shocking sequence of events underscores the complexities of domestic violence cases and the importance of thorough investigations. As the legal process moves forward, the community watches closely for any new developments that may shed further light on this disturbing series of crimes.
