Overview
- Susan Avalon, 51, is in custody in Citrus County and has been charged with second-degree homicide in the Bradenton case, according to Manatee County authorities.
- Prosecutors are working with detectives to seek a first-degree murder charge with potential death penalty exposure, and officials report credible evidence connecting her to the Tampa killing.
- Detectives say she stole a Panera Bread order to pose as a delivery, brought the food to the Bradenton door, and opened fire when the victim answered.
- The victim’s 15-year-old daughter reported hearing three shots and seeing a silver Honda Odyssey leave; surveillance video and records tied the vehicle to Avalon.
- Deputies say they found her cleaning her minivan with bleach and rags, and her “Which one?” response about an ex-husband prompted a welfare check that uncovered the Tampa homicide.