Florida woman held after two ex-husbands shot dead in one day

Within a matter of hours, Susan Erica Avalon is alleged to have shot dead two men she once married, leaving police in Manatee County and Tampa piecing together one of Florida’s most disturbing double-homicide cases.

Susan Erica Avalon, 48, allegedly shot her first ex-husband at his home in Manatee County on Wednesday afternoon before driving to Tampa, where police later discovered the body of her second former spouse that evening, according to Manatee County officials.

Court records show the pair had divorced around 11 years ago and had been locked in prolonged custody disputes. Avalon reportedly owed about $4,000 in unpaid child support and faced a December deadline to pay $200 or risk losing her driving licence.

During questioning, she was asked about her ex-husband and replied: “Which one?” That response prompted detectives to request a welfare check at a Tampa address on Frierson Avenue.

Tampa police found an adult man inside the home dead from multiple gunshot wounds. Officers also noted damage to a rear door that suggested forced entry, authorities said. Tampa officials have launched a separate homicide investigation into the second killing.

Prosecutors have said they intend to seek a first-degree murder charge and pursue the death penalty. Investigators noted that the case affects around five children from Avalon’s two marriages.

Avalon remains in custody and the investigation is ongoing, authorities said.