A man is dead after allegedly going on a “killing spree,” gunning down three women — his mother, his cousin and an ex-girlfriend’s new partner — in separate shootings in Florida, authorities said.
Before the Monday night shootings unfolded, the suspect, 28-year-old Javontee Brice, first went to an apartment in Palmetto where his sister and ex-girlfriend were located, Manatee County Sheriff Rick Wells said at a news conference.
“He looked at the ex-girlfriend and said, ‘I have to kill you.’ Somehow the sister was able to talk him down and talk him out of him shooting this ex-girlfriend,” Wells said. “She later told investigators that he was acting very strange.”
Wells then drove to a Motel 6 in Bradenton where his mother, his two young sisters and the mother’s boyfriend were staying, the sheriff said.
Around 9:15 p.m., “he walked into that hotel room, looked at the mother and said, ‘I’m sorry,'” Wells said.
Manatee County Sheriff Rick Wells speaks at a press conference, June 25, 2024, holding a photograph of triple homicide suspect Javontee Brice.
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“She asked, ‘What did you do?’ And he shoots her three times in front of the boyfriend and these two innocent young juveniles,” Wells said.
Brice then drove to a house in Palmetto where one of his cousins was at a cookout, the sheriff said. Wells allegedly shot his cousin as she was getting into her car to leave, around 9:40 p.m., the sheriff said. The 29-year-old cousin died about one hour later, the sheriff said.
Brice then drove to a home in Bradenton, where another ex-girlfriend lived with her new partner, the sheriff said. At about 10:04 p.m., Brice allegedly shot and killed the new partner, Wells said.
The sheriff’s office said it issued a statewide “Be On the Lookout” bulletin for Brice’s car, which was later tracked to Hamilton County, near the state line with Georgia.
Authorities learned Brice “possibly has another ex-girlfriend” in Georgia and may have been driving there to kill her, Wells said.
When police pulled Brice over at about 1:30 a.m. Tuesday in Hamilton County, Brice got out of the car and started firing at officers, Wells said.
The officers return fire, fatally shooting Brice, Wells said.
A woman was with Brice when he was pulled over and she is being interviewed, the sheriff said.
“We don’t know her relation to him at this point, but she was in the car when the shootout took place,” Wells said.
Brice’s family is “devastated” by the slayings of the mother and cousin, Wells said, but investigators are looking to interview the relatives to determine what Brice “may have been going through the last few days.”
“He seemed to have an agenda; he knew exactly who he wanted to kill and he did not have a hard time locating them,” Wells said.
“We don’t know what set this man off. We don’t know why he chose to kill his loved ones,” the sheriff added. “We may never know, but we’re going to continue to investigate.”
In a shocking and tragic series of events, Florida police have reported that three women, including a mother, were fatally shot by a man in separate incidents within one hour. The incidents occurred in different locations in the state, leaving the community in disbelief and mourning.
The first incident took place in a residential neighborhood, where a 32-year-old woman was shot and killed by a man who was known to her. The suspect fled the scene before police arrived, sparking a manhunt across the area. The victim’s family and friends were left devastated by the sudden and senseless act of violence.
Just minutes later, another shooting occurred in a nearby shopping center parking lot. A 45-year-old woman was shot and killed by a man who was reportedly a stranger to her. Witnesses described the scene as chaotic and terrifying, with shoppers running for cover as the gunman opened fire. The victim’s family is now left grappling with the loss of their loved one and seeking answers as to why this tragedy occurred.
The third incident occurred at a gas station on the outskirts of town, where a 55-year-old mother was shot and killed by a man who was believed to be her ex-boyfriend. The suspect was apprehended by police at the scene and is currently in custody. The victim’s family is left shattered by the loss of their beloved mother, who was described as a kind and caring woman.
These three incidents have sent shockwaves through the community, raising concerns about the prevalence of gun violence and the need for stricter gun control measures. Law enforcement officials are urging anyone with information about the shootings to come forward and assist in the investigation.
As the community mourns the loss of these three women, it serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the devastating impact that senseless acts of violence can have on families and communities. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the victims’ families during this difficult time, and we hope that justice will be served for those responsible for these tragic deaths.
