Two Indian River County employees were shot and killed yesterday morning outside the county's main library in Vero Beach, in what investigators are calling a targeted ambush tied to a personal relationship. The attack has rattled library staff and county coworkers as law enforcement teams search by land and water along the barrier island and sift through growing piles of evidence.
Vero Beach police said officers were called around 7:01 a.m. Tuesday for reports of multiple gunshots in the 1600 block of 21st Street. Responding officers found two adults with multiple gunshot wounds in and around a vehicle in the library parking lot, according to CBS12. The victims were identified as Stacie Ellis Mason and Danny Ooley.
Morning Gunfire Outside The Main Library
The shooting unfolded outside the Indian River County Main Library at 1600 21st Street, the county's central branch. Indian River County lists that address as its Main Library, and officials temporarily locked down access to the surrounding area while detectives combed through the parking lot and nearby sidewalks.
Police Tie Double Killing To Affair And Marital Split
Vero Beach police told reporters they believe the double homicide is rooted in a personal relationship and have named Mason's husband, Jesse Ellis, as a person of interest. Investigators say Ellis approached the victims' parked Ford Ranger and opened fire, according to CBS12.
Officers said Ooley was shot first while sitting in the driver's seat. The gunman then moved around the truck and kept firing as Mason either fell or was pulled from the vehicle. Detectives said surveillance video captured the shooting. An AR-style long gun was recovered at the scene, and search warrants on the suspect's vehicle, the victims' vehicles, and a South County home turned up multiple firearms and digital evidence, according to CBS12.
Investigators said they believe Ellis fled in a gray Ford F-150 to South Beach and may have gone into the ocean after a witness reported seeing a tall man walk into the water. Responders later encountered a man about 900 yards offshore who gave a false name and turned down assistance, according to CBS12. County officials said both victims were longtime public servants and that counseling is being offered to employees.
What Investigators Want From The Public
The case remains active, and police say that while they believe the killings were isolated, the person of interest should be considered potentially dangerous to anyone who might encounter him. Investigators are asking anyone with video, photos or information to contact the Vero Beach Police Department or local tip lines as they work to pin down the full motive and timeline of the attack.
