Florida County Officials Gunned Down in Library Car Park by Estranged Husband
Two Florida county employees engaged in a workplace affair were brutally shot dead as they prepared to meet in a car outside a public library. The alleged perpetrator is the woman's estranged husband, who remains at large after the early morning attack in Vero Beach.
Targeted Attack Described as Crime of Passion
Stacie Mason, 49, and Danny Ooley, 56, both employed by Indian River County, were shot multiple times with an AR-15-style rifle on Tuesday morning. Vero Beach Police Chief David Currey characterized the incident as a targeted 'crime of passion' fueled by relationship turmoil.
Investigators have identified the suspect as Mason's 64-year-old husband, Jesse Ellis. The victims, both married to other people, had been conducting an affair for several weeks according to police statements.
Library Meeting Turns Deadly
According to police reconstruction, the pair arrived separately at the Indian River County Main Library just before 7am and parked in the adjacent lot. Mason exited her Volkswagen SUV and entered Ooley's Ford Ranger pickup truck.
Moments later, Ellis allegedly approached the vehicle. Chief Currey described CCTV footage showing the suspect 'coming toward the driver's side of the vehicle and firing multiple shots and then going around to the passenger side.'
Ooley was shot first inside the truck, with multiple rounds penetrating the vehicle. As gunfire continued, Mason either attempted to escape or was pulled from the truck by the gunman.
Suspect Flees to Ocean After Attack
Investigators say Ellis fled the scene in his 2022 gray F150 pickup, leaving the murder weapon behind. Thirty minutes later, a man matching his description entered the ocean fully clothed and swam approximately 900 yards near Riomar Country Club.
A high-performance Zodiac-style boat launched by the fire department intercepted the swimmer, who provided a false name and refused assistance. Assistant Fire Chief Steve Greer reported the man claimed he was 'OK and he does this often' before becoming agitated.
This was the last confirmed sighting of the individual, who entered the water wearing long shorts and a dark blue shirt. Police later connected this encounter to the murders.
Marital Breakdown and Surveillance
Police believe the killings stemmed from a deteriorating marriage. Mason and Ellis had been married for 13 years and were in the process of separating, with their home scheduled for sale.
Chief Currey revealed that Ellis 'obtained some professional service to look into some things,' suggesting possible private investigation of the affair. The library location was reportedly a previous meeting spot for the victims, and Ellis appeared aware of their Tuesday morning rendezvous.
Both victims' vehicles were captured on roadside cameras entering the city northbound just before 7am, according to investigators.
Ongoing Investigation and Community Impact
Search warrants executed at residences connected to the suspect yielded multiple firearms and digital evidence including cell phones undergoing forensic analysis. Police continue searching coastal areas and reviewing home security footage from waterfront properties.
Ooley had worked for Indian River County for nearly 25 years, advancing from maintenance worker to assistant director of public works. Mason served 14 years as a traffic analyst technician.
Indian River County released a statement mourning the loss: 'Danny and Stacie were not just employees, but colleagues and dedicated public servants who supported this community every day. Their absence is deeply felt across our organization and the community they served.'
The statement continued: 'This is not a normal day for our organization. We recognize many of our employees are grieving, and we want them to take the time they need. Supporting one another during this moment is not optional.'
Police maintain that Ellis remains at large and potentially dangerous. Chief Currey acknowledged multiple possibilities: 'Could he have drowned? Potentially, yes. Could he have come back out of the water? Potentially, yes. If he's at large, can he find a way to have some kind of transportation? Absolutely.'
