Florida – In a shocking and carefully planned attack in Florida, a 51‑year‑old woman, identified as S. Avalon, has been arrested and charged after shooting and killing two of her ex‑husbands on the same day. Authorities initially charged Avalon with second‑degree murder in one of the deaths and prosecutors have indicated they intend to pursue first‑degree murder charges and may seek the death penalty in that case. A separate homicide investigation is underway in Tampa in connection with the death of her other former spouse.
Investigators believe the killings were premeditated and coordinated, rooted in long‑running custody disputes between Avalon and her ex‑husbands. Law enforcement officials have noted that the shootings have deeply affected at least five children from both of Avalon’s marriages, underscoring the tragic impact of the violence.
The first fatal shooting took place at approximately 3 p.m. on a Wednesday in a residential neighborhood. 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 footage and evidence gathered by detectives suggest Avalon used a deceptive tactic to get the victim to open his door: she reportedly took stolen food from a delivery pickup shelf at a nearby restaurant and then walked to his home, where the deadly encounter unfolded. A spokesperson for the sheriff’s office said, “When this victim opens the door, suspect starts to fire immediately.” The victim was able to speak briefly with investigators, identifying Avalon as a “potential” shooter, before he was rushed to the hospital. Unfortunately, he later died from his injuries.
Inside the home at the time of the shooting was the victim’s 15‑year‑old daughter, who is also Avalon’s biological child. She did not see the shooting but reportedly heard the gunshots and later saw a silver vehicle speeding away from the scene. Sheriff R. Wells criticized the nature of the attack, saying, “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 also noted that Avalon and this ex‑husband had been divorced for about 11 years, that she owed him roughly $4,000 in child support, and that she faced a December deadline to pay $200 or risk losing her driver’s license due to unpaid obligations.
As local law enforcement tracked Avalon’s movements using license plate readers, investigators noticed the silver vehicle travel through multiple counties — first to the area of her other ex‑husband’s home, and later back to her own residence. When deputies checked that home, they observed damage to the rear door suggesting forced entry. Police later confirmed that the second shooting is believed to be connected to the first homicide. Although authorities are conducting their investigation and pursuing their own charges in the two cases, detectives from both counties say they have credible evidence linking Avalon to both killings, despite the jurisdictions operating separately.
When detectives finally approached Avalon at her home, they found her cleaning her minivan with bleach and rags, indicating a possible attempt to destroy evidence. When questioned about her ex‑husbands, she reportedly responded with chilling indifference, asking, “Which one?” That answer prompted authorities to conduct the welfare check at the other victim’s residence. Avalon’s live‑in boyfriend told investigators that she had recently located the address of the first victim. He also said she told him the night before the shootings that she loved him “in case something happens to her.” After allegedly carrying out the killings, Avalon reportedly returned home and went straight into the shower while still wearing the same gray sweatshirt seen in surveillance footage.
Investigators also uncovered that Avalon had a history of legal issues related to custody disputes. Court records show she was arrested on a child abuse charge in Virginia in 2004, and later faced child abuse allegations in two Florida counties that were ultimately dropped. Authorities say those earlier cases were tied to custody conflicts with her ex‑husbands. At this time, Avalon remains in custody. The murder weapon has not yet been found, but detectives are continuing to search her vehicle and other areas for additional evidence. Beyond the second‑degree murder charge she currently faces, she may be charged with first‑degree murder and other offenses as the investigation progresses.
Law enforcement officials from both counties have emphasized the severity of the attacks and the ongoing nature of the investigations. The killings of two former husbands in one day by someone who once shared children with them have raised urgent questions about domestic violence, custody dispute escalation, and community safety. As the legal process unfolds, authorities say they will provide updates as more information becomes available. Meanwhile, friends, neighbors, and family members continue to mourn the loss of two lives in events that began over custody disagreements and ended in fatal violence.
