Woman Charged in Bradenton December Shooting Death

Manatee County Sheriff's Office detectives arrested 51-year-old Susan Avalon and charged her with murder in connection with a December 2025 homicide in Bradenton. Authorities located Avalon at her Citrus County home and took her into custody.

On December 17, deputies responded to a shooting at a residence in the 7000 block of Chatum Light Run around 2:55 p.m. They found a 54-year-old man with two gunshot wounds. He told deputies an individual arrived at his home and shot him after he opened the door. He died later that evening at a local hospital.

Detectives determined the shooting was targeted. Homicide investigators coordinated with the Tampa Police Department and identified evidence linking the case to related incidents before developing probable cause to charge Avalon.

Anyone with information should contact the Manatee County Sheriff's Office at (941) 747-3011. To report anonymously and qualify for a cash reward, contact Manatee County Crime Stoppers at (866) 634-TIPS or visit ManateeCrimeStoppers.com.