Florida – In a shocking and carefully planned attack that shook residents in Florida, a 51-year-old woman, identified as S. Avalon has been arrested and charged after allegedly shooting and killing two of her ex-husbands on the same day. Avalon is currently facing a second-degree murder charge, where authorities say she ambushed one of the victims. Prosecutors have indicated they plan to pursue a first-degree murder charge and may even seek the death penalty in that case. A separate homicide investigation is underway in Tampa related to the death of her other ex-husband.
Investigators say the tragic events unfolded in a premeditated and coordinated manner. Both killings are believed to be connected to long-running custody disputes between Avalon and her former spouses. Law enforcement has said the shootings have had a profound impact on at least five children from both marriages.
The first deadly encounter occurred around 3 p.m. on a Wednesday in a residential neighborhood in a Florida county. Deputies responding to the scene reported that a 54-year-old man — one of Avalon’s ex-husbands — was shot after answering his front door. Surveillance and evidence gathered by detectives suggest Avalon used a deceptive tactic to get the man to open the door: she took stolen food from a delivery pickup shelf at a nearby Panera Bread restaurant and then walked to his house, where a violent confrontation unfolded. According to a spokesperson for the sheriff’s office, “When this victim opens the door, suspect starts to fire immediately.” The victim was able to speak with investigators briefly, identifying Avalon as a “potential” shooter, before he was rushed to the hospital. Sadly, he later died from his injuries.
The victim’s 15-year-old daughter — who is also Avalon’s biological child — was inside the home at the time of the shooting. Though she did not witness the actual crime, she reportedly heard gunshots and later saw a silver Honda Odyssey speeding away from the scene. Sheriff R. Wells said during a press briefing, “It doesn’t get any more brazen than this. This is a very active neighborhood. It’s 3 o’clock in the afternoon… She didn’t seem to care.” Authorities noted that Avalon and this ex-husband had been divorced for about 11 years, and that she owed him about $4,000 in child support. Court records also showed she faced a December deadline to pay $200 or lose her driver’s license over unresolved obligations.
While local law enforcement was tracking Avalon’s movements, detectives noticed her vehicle in the city where her other ex-husband lived. Once at the ex-husband home, officers observed damage to a rear door that appeared to show forced entry. Tampa police confirmed they believe the second shooting is related to the first incident. Detectives say they have credible evidence linking both homicides to Avalon, although they are pursuing charges independently through separate county procedures.
Law enforcement tracked the suspect’s silver vehicle through multiple counties using license plate readers. The vehicle was seen traveling at the home of the two ex-husbands, and then back home after the shootings, according to investigators. When detectives finally approached Avalon at her home, they found her cleaning the minivan with bleach and rags, suggesting an attempt at destroying evidence. When questioned about her ex-husbands, she reportedly responded with chilling detachment, “Which one?” — a reply that prompted authorities to conduct a welfare check at the other ex-husband’s Tampa residence.
Avalon’s live‑in boyfriend told investigators that she had recently found the one of the victim’s address and that the night before the shootings, she told him she loved him “in case something happens to her.” After reportedly carrying out the killings, Avalon allegedly returned home and went straight into the shower wearing the same gray sweatshirt seen in surveillance footage. Investigators also uncovered that Avalon had a history of legal issues tied to custody disputes. Court records reveal a child abuse arrest in Virginia in 2004, and later child abuse cases in Florida, which were ultimately dropped.
At this time, Avalon remains in custody. The murder weapon has not been found, though detectives are continuing to search her vehicle and other areas for evidence. She currently faces second-degree murder charges and may face additional charges, including first-degree murder, related to the second killing. Law enforcement officials from both counties have emphasized the gravity of the attacks and the extensive investigation still underway. The killings of two men on the same day by someone they once shared children with has raised urgent questions about domestic violence, custody conflict escalation, and community safety. As the legal process moves forward, authorities have said they will provide updates when more information becomes available. Meanwhile, friends, neighbors, and family members continue to mourn the loss of two lives in events that began as custody disagreements and ended in fatal violence.
