Woman killed in Pensacola shooting, suspect charged

Authorities say the 38-year-old victim died from her injuries at the scene.

Apr. 20, 2026 at 2:54am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a single spent bullet casing on a dark surface, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash, conceptually representing the aftermath of a deadly shooting incident.A single spent bullet casing left behind at the scene of a deadly shooting serves as a stark reminder of the human toll of gun violence.Pensacola Today

A 38-year-old woman was shot and killed in Pensacola, Florida on Sunday morning. Deputies responded to a shooting call on Gulf Breeze Avenue around 10 a.m. and found the woman with gunshot wounds. EMS attempted life-saving measures but she succumbed to her injuries. The suspect, 64-year-old James Pelzer, was arrested at the scene and charged with homicide.

Why it matters

Violent crime, especially gun violence, is an ongoing concern in the Pensacola area. This incident highlights the need for continued efforts to address the root causes of such violence and improve public safety in the community.

The details

According to the Escambia County Sheriff's Office, deputies responded to a shooting call on Gulf Breeze Avenue around 10 a.m. on Sunday. At the scene, they found a 38-year-old woman with gunshot wounds. EMS arrived and attempted life-saving measures, but the woman died from her injuries. The suspect, James Pelzer, 64, of Pensacola, was arrested at the scene and booked into the Escambia County Jail on a homicide charge.

  • The shooting occurred around 10 a.m. on Sunday, April 20, 2026.
  • Pelzer was arrested and booked into jail after 2:30 p.m. on the same day.

The players

James Pelzer

A 64-year-old Pensacola resident who was arrested and charged with homicide in connection with the shooting.

Escambia County Sheriff's Office

The law enforcement agency that responded to the shooting call and made the arrest.

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What they’re saying

“This investigation is ongoing.”

— Escambia County Sheriff's Office

What’s next

The suspect, James Pelzer, will remain in custody as the investigation continues. The Escambia County Sheriff's Office has not released any additional details about a potential motive or relationship between the victim and suspect.

The takeaway

This tragic incident underscores the ongoing challenges Pensacola faces with gun violence and the need for comprehensive solutions to improve public safety in the community. While the details are still unfolding, it serves as a somber reminder of the human toll of such acts of violence.