Florida authorities arrested 51-year-old Susan Erica Avalon after two of her former husbands were found shot dead on the same day. A 54-year-old Manatee County resident died after telling deputies he might have been shot by his ex-wife; his 15-year-old daughter — also Avalon’s child — reported seeing a masked person flee in a silver Honda Odyssey. Investigators say Avalon was later seen cleaning that vehicle and believe she may have posed as a delivery driver to gain entry to a home. Police in Manatee County and Tampa are coordinating; prosecutors are reviewing additional charges and investigators are searching for the murder weapon.
Florida Woman Arrested After Two Ex-Husbands Are Shot Dead on Same Day
WRMD
Authorities in Florida have arrested 51-year-old Susan Erica Avalon after two of her former husbands were found shot dead on the same day, investigators say. Avalon was taken into custody Thursday on a second-degree homicide warrant in Manatee County, where one of the victims lived.
What Happened
According to Manatee County Sheriff Rick Wells, deputies responded Wednesday afternoon to a reported shooting in the Heritage Harbor neighborhood. They found a 54-year-old man with two gunshot wounds to his abdomen. The victim was initially conscious and told deputies the shooter might have been his ex-wife. He later died at a local hospital that night.
Investigators say the victim’s 15-year-old daughter — who is also Avalon’s daughter — heard gunfire and saw someone wearing a gray sweatshirt and a mask get into a silver Honda Odyssey and drive away.
Possible Link To Second Slaying
As detectives continued the inquiry, the Manatee County Sheriff's Office asked the Tampa Police Department to check on another of Avalon’s former husbands, who lived in Tampa. Tampa officers found a man shot and killed in his home. Tampa police said the death appears to be connected to the ongoing Manatee County homicide investigation, and investigators are coordinating with the State Attorney’s Office to determine any additional charges.
Arrest And Evidence
Investigators located Avalon at her home in Citrus County later Wednesday. Deputies reported seeing her wiping down a silver Honda Odyssey with rags and bleach. When officers told her they were there to speak about her ex-husband, she allegedly replied, "Which one?"
Sheriff Wells said detectives believe Avalon may have posed as a food delivery driver to gain access to at least one of the victims’ homes. Officials are focusing on locating the murder weapon and searching Avalon’s vehicle for evidence. Jail records show Avalon was arrested on an out-of-county warrant; NBC News reported it could not locate an attorney listed for Avalon as of Saturday.
Investigation Status
Authorities have emphasized the investigation is ongoing. Officials have not released a motive, and charges beyond the Manatee County homicide warrant are under review by prosecutors. As with any active investigation, the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
Note: This account is based on statements from law enforcement and public records released by the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office and the Tampa Police Department.
