A Central Florida woman was fatally shot by her ex-husband.
According to the Volusia Sheriff’s Office, a Deltona woman was recently fatally shot by her ex-husband, who fled, shot himself, and crashed his vehicle about an hour later in Flagler County as law enforcement closed in on him.
The victim was identified as 38-year-old Ashley Vaia, who was found deceased in her home by her child around 2:22am.
The suspect was identified as 33-year-old Samuel Vaia, whose white SUV was detected by technology and soon located heading north out of Volusia County at speeds of more than 100 mph on I-95.
With multiple law enforcement agencies responding to the fleeing vehicle, stop sticks successfully deployed, and Air One overhead, the suspect crashed and rolled over around 3:21am in the area of Palm Harbor Parkway and Hammock Dunes Parkway in Palm Coast.
Knowing the suspect was considered armed, dangerous, and wearing body armor, VSO deputies deployed multiple drone units for a continuous visual on the wrecked vehicle as Flagler SWAT approached and extricated the suspect around 5:15am.
The suspect was transported to AdventHealth Palm Coast Hospital for treatment of injuries including an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head. He was later pronounced deceased at the hospital.
The suspect was previously arrested on battery charges against the same victim. Deputies responded after the victim reported her ex-husband walked into her bedroom, took her phone and accused her of cheating on him. The victim indicated she and her ex were attempting to reconcile their relationship, and he still had a key to her house due to their time-sharing agreement involving their child.
During the recent incident, Ashley told deputies that Samuel grabbed her, pushed her into a bathroom, closed the door and continued accusing her of infidelity. She said she tried to yell at her phone to call 911 but was unsuccessful, and Samuel covered her mouth. He left abruptly after Ashley called for another daughter who was in the house.
Deputies arrested Samuel on a charge of battery (domestic violence), and he was booked into the Volusia County Branch Jail. He later posted $2,000 bond and was released.
Sheriff Mike Chitwood sent condolences to the victim’s family and thanked the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office, Daytona Beach Police Department, St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office, and FHP for their support and assistance in locating the suspect.
“Our hearts go out to Ashley’s children, and all her family and friends who have to deal with losing her to such a senseless act of violence,” Sheriff Mike Chitwood said. “Time and time again, we see that domestic violence situations can escalate quickly and dangerously, with tragic consequences.”
“I am thankful for the swift actions of our deputies in helping to prevent any further loss of life. This is a deeply tragic incident for all involved, and we send our condolences to the victim’s family during this extremely difficult time,” said Flagler Sheriff Rick Staly.
For more information about free and confidential services for victims of domestic violence in Volusia County, please call the Domestic Abuse Council of Volusia County at 386-257-2297 or visit www.dacvolusia.com. The National Domestic Violence Hotline is also available at 800-799-SAFE (7233), or by texting START to 88788, or via live chat at www.thehotline.org.
