Police: Vero Beach double homicide stemmed from affair, marital breakup; suspect at large

Stacie Ellis Mason and Danny Ooley, both Indian River County employees, were killed on Tuesday morning at the Indian River County Main Library. (Indian River County)

VERO BEACH, Fla. (CBS12) — Vero Beach police say a targeted double homicide tied to an apparent affair and marital breakup unfolded Tuesday morning outside the Indian River County Main Library, and the suspected gunman remains missing as authorities search land and water along the barrier island.

Police Chief David Currey said officers responded around 7:01 a.m. Tuesday to reports of multiple gunshots in the 1600 block of 21st Street at the main library, where they found two adults dead from multiple gunshot wounds in and around a vehicle in a nearby parking lot. The victims were identified as Stacie Ellis Mason and Danny Ooley, both Indian River County employees.

During Wednesday’s news conference, Currey said investigators believe Mason’s husband, Jesse Ellis, approached Ooley’s parked Ford Ranger after Mason got into the passenger side of the truck and then opened fire. Police said Ooley was shot first in the driver’s seat. Currey said the gunman then moved around the vehicle and fired additional rounds as Mason either fell or was pulled from the truck.

Jesse Ellis is the suspect in a Vero Beach double homicide that killed his wife and another man. (Vero Beach Police)

Detectives say surveillance video captured the shooting, though the footage has not been released. Police also said the weapon believed to have been used was recovered at the scene and was described as an AR-style long gun.

Investigators said the killings appear to have stemmed from a personal relationship. Currey said Mason and Ellis had apparently been discussing separation or divorce and selling their home, while detectives also believe Mason and Ooley had been romantically involved for at least several weeks. The chief said Ellis had obtained “professional services” to look into the relationship, later indicating that may have involved something like a private investigator.

Police said that is why they have continued to describe the case as an isolated, targeted incident and not a broader threat to the public, though Currey acknowledged any encounter with Ellis could still pose danger, especially for law enforcement.

Authorities believe Ellis fled the library scene, drove a gray Ford F-150 to South Beach, and may have then gone into the ocean. Currey said a woman reported seeing a tall man walking into the water fully clothed around 7:30 a.m., and emergency responders encountered a man around 8:30 a.m. about 900 yards offshore who gave a false name and declined help. Police have not confirmed that person was Ellis, and he remains a person of interest at large.

Search warrants have been executed on the suspect’s vehicle, the victims’ vehicles and a South County home connected to Ellis. Currey said investigators recovered multiple firearms and digital evidence, including cell phones, and are continuing forensic analysis as the investigation remains active.

County leaders said both victims were longtime public servants. Indian River County Administrator John Titkanich said Ooley had worked for the county for nearly 25 years, rising from maintenance worker to assistant public works director, while Mason had spent 14 years with the county as a traffic analyst technician. Officials said the county is offering counseling and support to grieving employees.

CBS12 previously reported that police announced the two victims were found dead at the scene Tuesday and that the department had identified a person of interest while serving search warrants in the case