Crime Stories with Nancy Grace

Episode: Florida Woman Kills Both of Her Exes in the Same Day
Date: December 24, 2025

Overview

In this episode, Nancy Grace delves into a shocking double homicide in Florida, where 51-year-old Susan Avalon stands accused of murdering both of her ex-husbands on the same day. The episode weaves in firsthand reporting, law enforcement insights, and chilling details while also touching on two additional cases: a complex custody battle after a mother's tragic death in Georgia, and a former child star's public battle with homelessness and addiction.

Main Story: Double Homicide in Florida

The Crime and Immediate Investigation

• [00:00] Nancy Grace delivers the initial crime alert:
  "A Florida woman guns down two ex-husbands after using stolen food to get into one of their home. Susan Avalon, 51, arrested. Charged with second degree homicide for shooting both exes dead."

• [00:30] Drew Nelson provides a detailed timeline:

  • First, Manatee County deputies respond to a shooting in Bradenton. The victim, identified by his 15-year-old daughter as Avalon's ex-wife, later succumbs to his injuries.
  • The daughter describes hearing three gunshots and seeing a Honda Odyssey drive away. This detail is key as Avalon owns such a vehicle.
  • Investigators immediately connect Susan Avalon to custody disputes and owed child support.

Link Between the Victims & Law Enforcement Response

• [01:15] Upon arrival at Avalon's home, detectives find her cleaning the Honda Odyssey—a highly suspicious act.
  • When asked about the ex-husband, Avalon asks, "Which one?"—alarming detectives to the possibility of multiple victims. (Drew Nelson, 01:43)
• [01:50] A second crime scene is rapidly discovered in Tampa, confirming Avalon's other ex-husband as the next victim. Authorities piece together the murders' order, confirming the Tampa killing came first.

Chilling Details & Aftermath

• Avalon used food stolen from a Panera (via the Doordash/UberEats pickup area) to gain access to at least one victim’s home.
• Her current boyfriend reports odd behavior: she recently found one ex's address and made fatalistic statements about "in case something happens to her".
  • "She told him that in case something happened to her, she loved him. He described her behavior as out of character." (Drew Nelson, 02:24)
• Upon returning home, Avalon reportedly took a shower fully clothed, wearing a gray sweatshirt seen on surveillance tape.
• [02:40] Prosecutors in both counties (Manatee and Hillsborough) intend to seek first degree murder charges and potentially the death penalty.
• Five children now face the holidays without their fathers.

Notable Quote

• "Which one?" — Susan Avalon’s reply when asked about her ex-husband, stunning detectives and prompting the search for a second crime scene. (Drew Nelson quoting investigators, 01:43)

Additional Stories

1. Georgia Custody Battle Exposes Legal Gaps

• [05:50] Drew Nelson reports on Adrian Hardin, who wins custody of his infant son after his partner, Adriana Smith, is declared brain dead.
• Smith had been kept on life support for months due to her pregnancy and Georgia abortion law requirements.
  • "Smith was rushed to Emory University Hospital... declared brain dead on February 19th. Because Smith was pregnant, she was kept on life support for months, her family says. Doctors told them Georgia's abortion law required it." (Drew Nelson, 06:34)
• Hardin, the father, had to sue for rights to his own child, as Georgia law does not grant unwed fathers parental rights automatically.
  • "Unless he marries the mother or sues her, the father has absolutely no legal rights, even in a tragic situation such as this." (Nancy Grace, 07:22)
• The case spotlights the grim legal challenges of unmarried fathers in Georgia.
• Baby Chance, born premature, remains in NICU.
• Hardin publicly thanks supporters and calls for legal reform:
  • "And I cherish every moment with my son. I'm so proud of my girl, my baby. I know she'll love to see him." (Nancy Grace, quoting Hardin, 07:59)

2. Former Nickelodeon Star Tyler Chase’s Struggles

• [08:06] Drew Nelson highlights the plight of Tyler Chase, a former Nickelodeon child star now homeless in Southern California.
• Despite ongoing offers, including immediate detox and treatment as arranged by fellow actor Sean Weiss, Chase continually declines help.
  • "We have a bed for him at a detox and we have a place for him to go and get long term treatment... All we need to do now is find him." (Nancy Grace quoting Sean Weiss and Drew Nelson, 09:34-09:47)
• Chase’s mother urged fans not to donate money, emphasizing his need for medical care instead.
• His story sheds light on mental health, personal autonomy, and the struggles of childhood fame.
• Police clarify that Chase is not wanted for any crime.

Memorable Moments & Notable Quotes

• [01:43] Detective’s alarm at Susan Avalon’s response:
  "She says, 'Which one?'" — indicating more than one ex may be involved.
• [02:55] Drew Nelson’s somber closure:
  "Meanwhile, five children are preparing for the holidays without their dads."
• [07:22] Nancy Grace on the custody case:
  "Unless he marries the mother or sues her, the father has absolutely no legal rights, even in a tragic situation such as this."
• [09:34–09:47] Sean Weiss’s call to action:
  "We have a bed for him at a detox... All we need to do now is find him."

Important Segment Timestamps

• 00:00–02:55: The Florida double homicide unfolding, law enforcement response, chilling details.
• 05:50–08:06: Georgia custody/abortion law intersection and legal fallout.
• 08:06–10:29: Tyler Chase’s homelessness, addiction, and supporters' efforts.

Tone & Style

The episode blends Nancy Grace’s trademark directness, sense of urgency, and compassion for victims and families. The reporting by Drew Nelson is factual and respectful, focusing on investigative details and the real-life consequences for those affected.

Summary

This episode encapsulates Nancy Grace’s approach: relentless focus on victims, sharp legal insight, and a commitment to exposing all facets of complex, heartbreaking crime stories. The Florida double homicide is presented as a chilling convergence of personal animus, premeditation, and tragedy, followed by equally impactful deep-dives into the intersections of law, family, and personal struggle in other cases.

For listeners seeking a thorough, emotionally resonant, and legally informed take on recent crime stories, this episode delivers.