Julia Scott, daughter of David Scott and a familiar face around Heritage Harbour in Bradenton, says her father was shot at his home and later died after what deputies now describe as a targeted attack. She is now caring for her father's two dogs and says she will attend upcoming court hearings as the case moves forward.
Manatee County deputies say the December shooting happened at the victim's home and that 51-year-old Susan Avalon, Scott's ex-wife, was arrested later that night. Authorities say Avalon is also connected to another fatal shooting in Tampa, according to Court TV.
How investigators say it unfolded
Investigators say Avalon allegedly posed as a delivery driver, using food reportedly taken from a Panera to get access to the Bradenton home. License-plate readers then tied a silver Honda Odyssey to her movements, according to detectives.
Detectives say they later found Avalon at her Citrus County residence, where she was reportedly wiping the vehicle with bleach and rags, as reported by CBS News Miami.
Family remembers David Scott
Julia Scott told Tampa Bay 28 that her father loved Heritage Harbour Park and often walked there with his dogs. “He used to walk around this park all the time,” she said, adding that he became the main parent for her and her siblings after the couple split.
Scott said she plans to be at every future court hearing and that she is caring for her dad's two dogs while the family copes with the loss and the unfolding court case.
Charges, plea and the calendar
Avalon has been charged with second-degree murder in the Manatee County case and faces additional investigations tied to a Tampa death, officials say. Prosecutors have at times discussed seeking the death penalty, according to Court TV.
Avalon pleaded not guilty and demanded a jury trial, court records show, according to MySuncoast. “Avalon's next court date is scheduled for March 26,” the report said, per Tampa Bay 28.
Community response
A friend set up a fundraiser on Spotfund to help Scott and her siblings with immediate needs. The campaign page shows more than $20,000 raised.
The organizer says donations will help cover funeral costs along with housing, school and pet-care expenses while the family navigates both their grief and the legal process.
What to watch next
Scott says she intends to be at every court hearing and wants to show she is not afraid as the legal process plays out. As the March 26 hearing approaches, family members and court watchers will be keeping a close eye on the courtroom and on any new filings in the connected Tampa case.
