Vero Beach Double Homicide: Suspect Still Missing as Search Expands and Questions Grow

The search for Jesse Scott Ellis (64) continues as law enforcement agencies expand efforts across Indian River County and toward the St. Lucie County line following last week’s double homicide outside the Indian River County Main Library.

Ellis is wanted on two counts of first-degree premeditated murder in the deaths of Stacie Ellis Mason (49) and Danny Ooley (56), both employees of Indian River County.

What Happened

According to investigators, the shooting occurred around 7:00 a.m. outside the library. Surveillance and evidence indicate the suspect approached the victims’ vehicle and opened fire at close range.

Police recovered approximately 21 shell casings from a .223 caliber rifle at the scene, consistent with an AR-style firearm.

Authorities have described the attack as targeted and premeditated, tied to a domestic situation involving Ellis’s estranged wife and a suspected relationship with Ooley.

During the press conference, officials stated:

Investigators say Ellis had recently hired a private investigator and received information about the relationship shortly before the shooting.

The Ocean Encounter

One of the most unusual aspects of the case is what happened immediately after the shooting.

Shortly before 8:00 a.m., a call came in reporting a man entering the ocean fully clothed near the Riomar area. Fire Rescue responded and located the individual offshore.

At that time:

• Responders were unaware of the shooting suspect

• The individual gave a false name

• He stated he was a “deep water swimmer”

• He appeared alert and not in distress

Because of that, responders did not detain him.

The individual eventually separated from responders and was not taken into custody.

Timeline After the Water

Based on surveillance, witness accounts, and evidence, investigators outlined the following likely sequence:

• The suspect entered the water near Riomar

• Drifted north with the current

• Was assisted back to shore by civilians near the Spires / Ocean Reef area

• Was captured on surveillance video around 11:10 a.m. walking south along the beach

• Likely returned to his vehicle before it was located around 12:45 p.m.

Evidence Recovered

During a search of Ellis’s truck, investigators recovered:

• Wet clothing

• An empty holster

• A .380 caliber magazine

• Multiple writings describing emotional distress and possible self-harm

At his residence, authorities recovered:

• Multiple firearms in a gun locker

• His phone, wallet, passport, and credit cards

Police noted that while the rifle used in the shooting is accounted for at the scene, a .380 caliber handgun associated with the holster and magazine has not been recovered, meaning the suspect may still be armed.

Where the Case Stands

Investigators say Ellis has:

• No known access to money

• No phone or identification

• No confirmed contact with family or associates

Despite that, there have been:

• Possible sightings south of Vero Beach

• Continued investigative activity near the St. Lucie County line

Law enforcement is actively pursuing leads and conducting searches in wooded areas, residential zones, and along the coastline.

Officials acknowledged uncertainty about his condition:

• He may have intended to harm himself

• He may still be alive and hiding

Police are treating the situation as an active fugitive case.

Public Safety and Ongoing Concerns

Authorities continue to advise residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity.

At the same time, the case has raised questions in the community.

Among them:

• How a suspect in a double homicide was able to encounter first responders offshore and not be detained

• Whether earlier identification and communication could have changed that outcome

• The contrast between initial messaging that suggested no ongoing threat and the current active manhunt

Officials defended their actions based on the information available at the time, noting that responders had no knowledge of the suspect’s involvement when the ocean encounter occurred.

Final Word

As of Sunday, Jesse Scott Ellis has not been located.

What began as a targeted act of violence has now become an ongoing search with regional implications and unanswered questions.

Until law enforcement confirms otherwise, the suspect remains unaccounted for.

Sources

• Vero Beach Police Department press conference transcript

• Local Treasure Coast media reporting, including coverage aligned with The Sunshine Journal

Support Our Effort

https://buymeacoffee.com/ircmedia

Disclaimer

IRC Media uses AI to aggregate information from multiple sources and verify accuracy. All content is reviewed and validated prior to publication.