Brooke Elizabeth Smith, a 24-year-old University of Florida nursing student, was shot and killed at a Gainesville condominium complex on May 26. Authorities identified 31-year-old Xavion Perry as the suspect; a body later recovered in Ormond Beach was confirmed to be his. Police say witnesses indicated Smith had been trying to end the relationship, and investigators are treating the case as possible dating violence. The university and Smith’s employer expressed grief, and officials reminded victims that the National Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-799-7233) is available.
University Of Florida Nursing Student, 24, Fatally Shot; Suspect Found Dead After Chase
Suspect Xavion Perry IIICredit: Gainesville Police Department
Brooke Elizabeth Smith, a 24-year-old nursing student at the University of Florida, was fatally shot on Tuesday, May 26, at the Creeks Edge condominium complex in Gainesville, authorities said. Despite first responders' lifesaving efforts, Smith was pronounced dead at the scene.
Investigators identified 31-year-old Xavion Perry as the suspected shooter. Later that night, law enforcement agencies including the Daytona Beach Police Department and the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office pursued a vehicle believed to be linked to Perry. Officials say Perry abandoned the vehicle, fled toward a nearby pier, and was the subject of an extensive search.
Suspect Located Dead
On Wednesday, a body that washed ashore in the 3600 block of Ocean Shore Boulevard in Ormond Beach — about 12 miles north of the pier — was confirmed by the Medical Examiner's Office to be Perry. Local reports state he had a criminal history that included grand theft, domestic violence and resisting arrest.
A Gainesville Police Department vehicleCredit: Gainesville Police Department/Facebook
Possible Dating Violence
Gainesville police said information from multiple sources indicated Smith had been trying to end or distance herself from a relationship with the suspect, and that the confrontation led to the shooting. "Apparently, our victim was trying to end this relationship or distance herself from the suspect, and that's what led to the altercation where she was ultimately shot," Public Information Officer Art Forgey said.
University And Community ReactionThe University of Florida College of Nursing expressed sorrow and offered condolences to students and staff. Smith had been scheduled to graduate with a bachelor's degree in nursing this August. Yoga Pod, where Smith worked, announced it would close briefly as staff and the community grieved.
Additional Details And Resources
Authorities reported that during the pursuit, Perry allegedly live-streamed on social media and referenced suicidal intent. Police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the killing and the subsequent actions of the suspect.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, help is available. Call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or visit thehotline.org. All calls are confidential, toll-free and available 24/7 in more than 170 languages.
People who have information about the incident were asked to contact the Gainesville Police Department. Media inquiries were directed to local law enforcement and the university.
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