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DELTONA, Fla. (WFLA) – According to the Volsia Sheriff’s Office (VSO), her mother was fatally shot and killed by her ex-husband a week after being arrested for domestic violence.
The lawmaker responded to a report of the shooting at about 2:20am in Palma. The victim, identified as Ashley Vaia, was found dead by her teenage daughter, according to NBC affiliate Wesh.
Suspect Samuel Via fled the scene heading north on I-95 from Borussia County. Multiple law enforcement agencies were chasing him when he finally overturned his SUV at 3:20am.
Samuel’s father, who lived nearby, called police and allegedly claimed that Ashley was shot dead, his son left the house with a camogia, wore a bullet-free vest and armed with two guns, Wesh reported.
Arrested, the victim was identified in a fatal shooting along the Bradenton River.
After the car was turned over, the VSO deployed the drone over the wrecked car while waiting for Flagler Swatt to arrive. Samuel was taken from the vehicle at 5:15am and taken to AdventHealth Palm Coast Hospital.
At the hospital, they found a self-harmed gunshot wound on his head and were later declared to have died.
On March 23, Ashley grabbed her and thrust her into the toilet before reporting Samuel to authorities. He accused her of cheating while they were trying to correct their relationship.
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Samuel was arrested for battery and booked at Volsia County Branch Jail. He was released the following day on a $2,000 bond.
“Our minds are directed at Ashley’s children and all her family and friends who have to deal with losing her to such meaningless acts of violence,” Sheriff Mike Chitwood said. “Once again, we see that the situation of domestic violence can escalate quickly and dangerously with tragic consequences.”
Wesi said Ashley is the mother of three children, ages 2, 19 and 21.
For domestic violence support, contact the domestic domestic violence hotline by starting at 800-799-SAFE or texting at 88788.
