Authorities in Vero Beach, Florida, are searching for Jesse Scott Ellis, 64, after two people were found fatally shot outside the Indian River County library on March 24. Surveillance footage reportedly shows Ellis approaching a truck and firing multiple times, killing Danny J. Ooley, 56, and Stacie E. Mason, 49. An AR-style weapon was recovered and investigators deployed drones, a helicopter and K-9 units while executing search warrants and analyzing evidence. Ellis may have been seen about 900 yards offshore but remains at large.
Manhunt Underway After Florida Man Allegedly Shoots Estranged Wife and Another Man Outside Vero Beach Library
Stacie Mason, David OoleyCredit: Facebook(2)
A manhunt is ongoing in Vero Beach, Florida, after police say a 64-year-old man fatally shot his estranged wife and another man outside the main branch of the Indian River County Library System on the morning of March 24.
What Happened
Vero Beach Police Chief David Currey said detectives, after reviewing surveillance footage, identified Jesse Scott Ellis, 64, as a person of interest. Two victims—Danny J. Ooley, 56, and Stacie E. Mason, 49—were found with multiple gunshot wounds in the library parking lot around 7 a.m. and were pronounced dead at the scene.
According to Chief Currey, surveillance video shows Ooley arriving first in a Ford Ranger and backing into a parking spot. Mason pulled into the lot separately in a Volkswagen SUV and entered the passenger seat of Ooley’s truck. Ellis is then seen approaching the vehicle and firing multiple rounds, striking Ooley on the driver’s side before walking around the truck and firing toward Mason on the passenger side.
Evidence and Search Efforts
An AR-style firearm believed to have been used in the shooting was recovered at the scene. Investigators located a vehicle believed to be linked to the incident near South Beach Park. Drones, a helicopter and K-9 units were deployed in that area as a precaution, and search warrants were executed at Ellis’ residence. Devices seized from the recovered vehicle are being analyzed.
Credit: GoogleMaps
Authorities say a caller reported seeing a man believed to be Ellis enter the ocean near Riomar Country Club. Fire rescue personnel later made contact with a man roughly 900 yards offshore who said he was not in immediate distress and provided a name that was not Ellis’. After reviewing a photo, investigators believe that person may have been Ellis, but he was not taken into custody and remains at large. Police noted Ellis has only one vehicle registered to him and there is no indication he owns a boat.
Community Response
Both victims were long-serving Indian River County employees. Ooley worked for the county for nearly 25 years, rising to assistant director in public works. Mason had worked for the county since 2014 and most recently served as a traffic analyst technician. County officials described both as dedicated public servants whose loss will be deeply felt.
“The reality of this loss is profound, and there are no words that can fully capture its weight,” County Administrator John Titkanich and Commission Chair Deryl Loar said in a statement.
A neighbor described Mason as “very, very nice and sweet,” and said she was often seen with a smile.
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.
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