Prosecutors are aiming for the death penalty for a mother accused of brutally killing two of her ex-husbands on the same day. The shocking details emerged when police realized that the second murder had only come to light while they were interviewing her about the first.
Susan Erica Avalon, 51, is believed to have shot and killed her children’s father, David Scott, 54, and Timothy Fletcher, 55, within hours of one another back in December. According to reports, police initially discovered Scott shot in the chest at their Bradenton residence. Before succumbing to his injuries, Scott mentioned to the officers that the shooter was likely his ex-wife, Susan.
At the time of the incident, their 15-year-old daughter was present and suggested that her mother, “Susan,” might also be implicated in the crime, as indicated in court documents.
The following day, Avalon was followed to her home in Citrus County, where authorities observed her cleaning the interior of her car with bleach.
When interrogated about her ex-husband, Avalon’s response of “Which one?” triggered further concern regarding her state of mind, according to police reports.
Authorities soon rushed to Fletcher’s residence in Tampa, where he was found deceased from gunshot wounds as well.
Investigators believe that Avalon first killed Fletcher around noon on December 17, then went to Scott’s home where she allegedly murdered him around 3 p.m. The reasons behind these violent acts remain unclear, although it’s known that she was entangled in a heated custody battle with both men—she has children with each.
Avalon faces first-degree premeditated murder charges related to Fletcher’s death and two counts of second-degree murder regarding Scott’s. She has denied all charges against her.
The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office has made it clear this week that they intend to seek the death penalty. Avalon’s next court appearance is set for July 9.
Since the return of the death penalty in Florida in the 1970s, only two women, alongside 127 men, have been executed, as reported. Currently, among the 250 individuals on death row, only one is a woman.
However, just because the state is pursuing this option doesn’t guarantee that Avalon will be part of that small group. If convicted of first-degree murder, the prosecution will ask the jury to recommend the death penalty. After that, her legal team will have a chance to argue against it. For the recommendation to carry weight, a minimum of 8 jurors must support it, which would typically pave the way for multiple years of appeals.
