A shocking and tragic incident unfolded in Florida as a woman, Susan Avalon, was arrested for the alleged murders of both of her ex-husbands in separate shootings on the same day. The 48-year-old suspect was taken into custody after shooting one ex-husband in Tampa and then traveling to Manatee County to commit the second murder later that day.
Authorities revealed that Avalon was embroiled in bitter custody battles with her former spouses, which may have been the motive behind the heinous crimes. Manatee County Sheriff Rick Wells described the killings as brazen and premeditated, emphasizing that Avalon knew what she was doing and had planned the attacks.
The first victim, a 54-year-old man whom Avalon divorced around 11 years ago, was lured to open his front door with stolen food from a Panera Bread before being shot twice. Despite being rushed to the hospital, he tragically succumbed to his injuries. Surveillance footage showed Avalon stealing food from the eatery before heading to her ex-husband’s home.
Avalon’s live-in boyfriend informed the police that she had recently obtained her ex-husband’s address. The couple had ongoing custody disputes and outstanding child support payments, with Avalon facing the threat of losing her driver’s license if she failed to pay a looming deadline.
Following the first shooting, investigators tracked Avalon back to her Citrus County home, where she was found cleaning her silver Honda Odyssey with bleach and rags. When questioned about her ex-husband, she chillingly asked, “Which one?” This led authorities to discover that she had been married again after the first victim, with the second ex-husband residing in Tampa.
Tampa authorities conducted a welfare check at the second husband’s residence and discovered him dead inside with multiple gunshot wounds. The back door showed signs of forced entry, indicating a violent confrontation. While the identity of the second victim has not been disclosed, it is believed that Avalon killed him before targeting the first ex-husband.
Avalon, who has a history of child abuse charges in Virginia and previous cases in Tampa and Pasco County that were dropped, has been charged with second-degree homicide in Manatee County. Sheriff Wells is working with prosecutors to upgrade the charges to first-degree murder and seek the death penalty for the suspect.
As the investigation into the Tampa shooting continues, Avalon remains detained at the Citrus County Detention Facility in Lecanto. The tragic and senseless loss of two lives has left a community in shock and mourning, highlighting the devastating consequences of domestic disputes and violence.
