TAMPA — Law enforcement agencies in Tampa and Manatee County are investigating two related homicide cases stemming from a shooting in Bradenton and the discovery of a deceased man inside a Tampa home.
On the afternoon of December 17, 2025, deputies with the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) responded at approximately 2:55 p.m. to a residence in the 7000 block of Chatum Light Run in Bradenton. An adult male was found suffering from two gunshot wounds. He was transported to a local hospital, where he later died. The victim’s name has not been released in accordance with Marcy’s Law.
According to investigators, the victim told deputies he was shot after answering the door at his residence. Detectives stated the shooting appeared to be targeted and not a random act. The victim believed that his ex-wife, Susan Avalon, may have been the masked shooter. The two had been divorced for 11 years, but ongoing child support issues.
Later that evening, on December 17, the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office requested the Tampa Police Department conduct a welfare check at a home in the 1200 block of East Frierson Avenue in Tampa. Officers located an adult male deceased inside the residence with multiple gunshot wounds. This victim was also an ex-husband of Avalon after her marriage to the first victim.
During a news conference on December 18, MCSO confirmed homicide detectives are working in coordination with the Tampa Police Department and that credible evidence indicates the Bradenton shooting and the Tampa death are related. Both agencies continue to investigate within their respective jurisdictions.
MCSO detectives identified 51-year-old Susan Avalon as a person of interest in the case. She was located at her home in Citrus County.
Based on information obtained during the investigation and evidence collected, detectives developed probable cause to charge Avalon with murder.
Press conference from the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office