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Vero Beach Today
By the People, for the People
Florida Man Allegedly Kills Wife and Her Lover in 'Crime of Passion'
Suspect Jesse Scott Ellis disappeared into the ocean after the shooting, sparking a days-long manhunt.
Mar. 27, 2026 at 3:05am
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A 64-year-old Florida man, Jesse Scott Ellis, allegedly shot and killed his wife Stacie Ellis Mason and her coworker Danny Ooley in the parking lot of a library in Vero Beach, Florida. Police believe the shooting was a 'crime of passion' related to an alleged affair between Mason and Ooley. After the shooting, Ellis disappeared into the ocean, still fully clothed, sparking a days-long manhunt.
Why it matters
This tragic case highlights the devastating impact of domestic violence and the need for better support systems to help prevent such acts of violence. The alleged crime also raises questions about workplace relationships, infidelity, and how to address the complex emotions that can lead to such extreme acts.
The details
According to police, security footage showed Mason and Ooley, who both worked for the Indian River County government, arriving at the library in separate vehicles. Mason then got into Ooley's car, at which point Ellis allegedly pulled into the parking lot and opened fire on Ooley's vehicle with an AR-15-style rifle. Ellis then reportedly fled the scene and was later spotted walking into the ocean, still fully clothed, though authorities did not initially realize he was a murder suspect.
- The shooting occurred on Tuesday in the parking lot of the Indian River County Main Library in Vero Beach, Florida.
- Ellis was spotted walking into the ocean, still fully clothed, shortly after the shooting.
The players
Jesse Scott Ellis
A 64-year-old Florida man who allegedly shot and killed his wife Stacie Ellis Mason and her coworker Danny Ooley in a 'crime of passion'.
Stacie Ellis Mason
The 64-year-old wife of Jesse Scott Ellis, who was allegedly killed by her husband in the parking lot of a library.
Danny Ooley
A 56-year-old coworker of Stacie Ellis Mason, who was allegedly having an affair with her and was killed by her husband Jesse Scott Ellis.
What they’re saying
“This was a crime of passion, two individuals that were apparently seeing each other for a period of time, and one husband being upset about it and potentially committing the crime that was committed.”
— David Currey, Vero Beach Police Chief
“They were [at the library] checking for a job they were going to be doing.”
— Ooley's mother
What’s next
Police are continuing to search for Jesse Scott Ellis, who is wanted on two counts of first-degree premeditated murder. A press conference is scheduled for 11 a.m. on Friday to provide updates on the case.
The takeaway
This tragic case underscores the need for greater awareness and support around domestic violence, infidelity, and the complex emotions that can lead to such devastating acts of violence. It serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of addressing these issues proactively to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
