Susan Erica Avalon Arrested for Fatal Shootings of Two Ex-Husbands in Florida

A Citrus County woman, Susan Erica Avalon, 51, has been arrested for the fatal shootings of her two ex-husbands on the same day, authorities said. One killing occurred in Tampa, the other in Bradenton, Florida, in what officials are calling a premeditated and coordinated attack.

Avalon was taken into custody at her home Wednesday and charged with murder, the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office said. Sheriff Rick Wells indicated that he intends to work with the state attorney’s office to seek the death penalty.

“She knew what she was doing; it was planned,” Wells said during a Thursday news conference. “This is different, to say the least. This is bizarre.”

First Shooting in Bradenton

Deputies responded just before 3 p.m. Wednesday to reports of a shooting in the 7000 block of Chatum Light Run in Bradenton. There, they found the first victim suffering a gunshot wound to the abdomen.

According to Wells, Avalon approached the home carrying a bag of food from Panera Bread, including broccoli soup, and shot the victim after he answered the door. The couple had been divorced for 11 years and were involved in ongoing child custody and support disputes, with Avalon owing $4,000 in child support.

A 15-year-old daughter was present during the shooting. She reportedly saw someone in a gray sweatshirt and surgical mask leave in a Silver Honda Odyssey—matching Avalon’s vehicle. License plate readers tracked the car as it returned to her Citrus County home.

Second Shooting in Tampa

While Manatee County detectives were investigating the Bradenton shooting, they coordinated with Tampa police to check on Avalon’s other ex-husband. Officers found him shot to death inside his home, which also showed signs of forced entry, Wells said.

Investigators believe Avalon had planned both killings, traveling first to Tampa in the morning, then returning through Manatee County to commit the second shooting. Before going to the first ex-husband’s home, she reportedly stopped at Panera Bread to acquire food, which she used to gain access to the house.

Investigation Details and Timeline

Manatee County detectives said Avalon wiped down her car with bleach and cleaning rags after the shootings. When questioned, she referred ambiguously to “her ex” before revealing she was speaking about a different husband.

Her live-in boyfriend told investigators that Avalon had recently located her first ex-husband’s Bradenton address and made derogatory comments about both men after returning home on Wednesday.

Sheriff Wells described the Bradenton shooting as brazen, noting it occurred around 3 p.m. in a busy neighborhood with children coming home from school.

“She didn’t seem to care,” Wells said.

The Tampa Police Department is conducting a separate investigation regarding the second shooting. Authorities have not yet indicated whether additional charges may be filed.