Summary: Susan Avalon, 51, was arrested after a 54-year-old man was found shot in his Bradenton, Florida, home on Dec. 17 and later died at a hospital. Investigators say the victim’s teenage daughter gave a description that helped identify Avalon, who was located in Citrus County and reportedly cleaning a vehicle with bleach. When questioned, she allegedly asked "Which one?", prompting officers to find a second ex-husband fatally shot in Tampa. Manatee County officials say there is "credible evidence" linking Avalon to the Tampa death; she faces a second-degree homicide charge in the Manatee case while the Tampa probe continues.
Florida Woman Arrested After Two Ex-Husbands Are Found Dead on Same Day; Authorities Investigate Link
Manatee County Sheriff's OfficeSusan Avalon
A Florida woman, 51-year-old Susan Avalon, has been arrested in connection with the killing of one ex-husband and is under investigation in the fatal shooting of a second former spouse found dead the same day, authorities said.
What happened: Deputies from the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office responded to a Bradenton home on Wednesday, Dec. 17, and discovered a 54-year-old man suffering from gunshot wounds. The victim told officers at the scene that his ex-wife "possibly" was responsible for the shooting. He later died at a hospital.
How investigators say they linked Avalon to the scene
Authorities say a combination of witness information and physical observations led them to arrest Avalon that evening in Citrus County, roughly 125 miles from Bradenton. Investigators say the victim's teenage daughter provided a description of a vehicle and a person outside the house, which helped identify Avalon.
The sheriff's office said Avalon allegedly took a Panera soup from a nearby store without paying and then went to the Bradenton residence. When deputies visited her Citrus County home, they reported seeing her washing a vehicle with bleach. According to law enforcement, when asked if they could speak with her about her ex-husband, she allegedly replied, "Which one?"
Second death prompts broader probe
That response prompted investigators to check on another of Avalon’s former husbands, who lived in Tampa. Tampa authorities discovered that man dead of apparent gunshot wounds at his residence. The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office said there is "credible evidence" tying Avalon to the Tampa homicide and that investigators believe the Tampa killing occurred before the shooting in Manatee County.
Charges and status: Avalon has been charged with second-degree homicide in the Manatee County case. It was not immediately clear whether she has been charged in the Tampa case or whether a separate arrest has been made there; Tampa police did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The investigations remain active.
Resources: If you are experiencing domestic violence, contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or visit thehotline.org. Calls are toll-free, confidential, and available 24/7 in more than 170 languages.
Note: Details are based on statements from the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office and a news conference. Some information remains under investigation and subject to confirmation by local authorities.
