by Bradenton, Florida — A Florida woman is facing serious criminal scrutiny after two of her ex-husbands were found shot and killed on the same day, prompting investigations across multiple counties.
Authorities say Susan Avalon, 51, has been arrested in connection with one homicide and is now under active investigation for a second, separate killing that occurred just hours earlier.
Bradenton Shooting Leads to Arrest
The case began on Wednesday, Dec. 17, when deputies with the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office responded to a home in Bradenton following reports of a shooting.
Inside the residence, officers found a 54-year-old man suffering from gunshot wounds. He was transported to a nearby hospital, where he later died.
According to the sheriff, the victim was able to speak briefly with first responders and told them his ex-wife — whom he divorced roughly 11 years ago — was “possibly” responsible for the shooting.
Authorities later identified the ex-wife as Susan Avalon.
Suspect Tracked Across Counties
Investigators say they were able to quickly narrow in on Avalon based on witness information provided by the victim’s teenage daughter, who described a suspicious individual and vehicle outside the home around the time of the shooting.
Sheriff’s officials allege Avalon had stopped at a nearby Panera Bread, where she took soup without paying, before going to her ex-husband’s residence.
Later that evening, Avalon was located and arrested in Citrus County, roughly 125 miles north of Bradenton.
Disturbing Discovery at Second Ex-Husband’s Home
During a Thursday press conference, Manatee County Sheriff Rick Wells revealed a chilling development.
When investigators approached Avalon at her Citrus County residence, they observed her cleaning her vehicle with bleach, authorities said.
Sheriff Wells stated that when deputies told Avalon they wanted to speak with her about her ex-husband, she allegedly responded:
“Which one?”
That response prompted authorities to conduct a welfare check at the home of Avalon’s second ex-husband, located in Tampa, Florida.
Inside the Tampa residence, deputies found the man fatally shot.
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Timeline Suggests Two Separate Homicides
According to investigators, evidence suggests the Tampa killing occurred first, followed by the Bradenton shooting later the same day.
The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office confirmed Thursday that there is “credible evidence” linking Avalon to the Tampa homicide, though formal charges in that case had not yet been announced.
Avalon has been charged with second-degree homicide in the Manatee County case. It remains unclear whether additional charges will be filed in Hillsborough County related to the Tampa death.
Investigation Ongoing
Authorities from multiple jurisdictions are now coordinating as the investigation continues. Officials have not yet released the identities of either victim publicly.
Sheriff’s officials emphasized that the case remains active and that further details will be released as charges are reviewed by prosecutors.
Avalon remains in custody as investigators work to determine the full scope of her alleged involvement in both deaths.
What are your thoughts on this developing case and the multi-county investigation? Share your reaction in the comments below.
