BRADENTON, Fla. – In a case that has shocked communities in Florida, Susan Avalon, 51, has been charged with the murder of her two former husbands in separate incidents that occurred in Bradenton and Tampa this week. Authorities allege that Avalon’s actions were part of a premeditated plan to kill both men.
The first incident was reported on Wednesday afternoon when Manatee County deputies were called to a Bradenton home following reports of a shooting. Upon arrival, officers discovered a 54-year-old man with gunshot wounds. Despite his critical condition, he was able to communicate, implicating his ex-wife as a potential assailant. Tragically, he died later from his injuries.
A 15-year-old girl, the daughter of the victim, provided additional details to the investigators. She reported hearing three gunshots and seeing a silver Honda Odyssey speeding away from their home. She further described the supposed attacker wearing a gray sweatshirt and a surgical mask.
As law enforcement delved deeper, they found that Avalon had visited a local Panera Bread just before the shooting. Surveillance footage showed her picking up an order without payment, which she ostensibly used as a guise to approach her ex-husband’s home.
The subsequent investigation highlighted financial disputes between Avalon and the deceased, particularly a contested $4,000 in child support. Authorities then linked a silver Honda Odyssey to Avalon, similar to the vehicle seen fleeing the Bradenton crime scene.
The manhunt for Avalon ended at her residence in Citrus County. Detectives noted Avalon’s suspicious behavior as she attempted to clean her vehicle. During questioning, when asked about her ex-husband, she ambiguously asked, “Which one?”. This response raised immediate concerns about her involvement in further criminal activities.
Further compounding suspicions, Avalon’s boyfriend remarked on her recent odd behavior and distress over potential repercussions if something were to happen to her. He recalled her returning home wearing the same gray sweatshirt described by the daughter of the Bradenton victim and her peculiar action of showering fully clothed.
The search for Avalon’s second ex-husband led officers to a residence in Tampa. Upon entering after observing signs of forced entry, they found him deceased with multiple gunshot wounds.
During the interrogation, Avalon made various accusations against her ex-husbands but seemed confused about which one detectives were referring to. The initial confusion during the interview has been a key focus for investigators.
Avalon is presently detained in Citrus County Jail as detectives continue to unravel the motive and full scope of her actions. Given the gravity and premeditation of the killings, authorities are considering elevating the charges to first-degree murder, potentially leading to the death penalty.
The investigation is ongoing, with law enforcement officials in multiple jurisdictions collaborating to establish a comprehensive timeline and gather further evidence. This collaboration ensures the judicial process accounts for the severity and premeditation of Avalon’s alleged crimes.