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Manhunt Underway for Suspect in Double Murder in Florida

3/26/2026

Summary

Story summary

Police are searching for Jesse Scott Ellis, 64, who is suspected of fatally shooting his estranged wife, Stacie Mason, 49, and her alleged romantic interest, Danny Ooley, 56, on Tuesday morning outside the Indian River County Main Library in Vero Beach, Florida.
Surveillance footage shows Ellis approaching the victims and firing multiple shots, indicating a crime of passion linked to marital issues.
After the shooting, Ellis abandoned his vehicle and swam into the ocean; he remains at large, and authorities are concerned he may have drowned.

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Story summary

Police are searching for Jesse Scott Ellis, 64, who is suspected of fatally shooting his estranged wife, Stacie Mason, 49, and her alleged romantic interest, Danny Ooley, 56, on Tuesday morning outside the Indian River County Main Library in Vero Beach, Florida.
Surveillance footage shows Ellis approaching the victims and firing multiple shots, indicating a crime of passion linked to marital issues.
After the shooting, Ellis abandoned his vehicle and swam into the ocean; he remains at large, and authorities are concerned he may have drowned.