A Deltona woman is dead after her ex-husband shot and killed her, a week after being released on bond for assaulting her.. Samuel Vaia, 33, shot and killed his ex-wife, Ashley Vaia, 38, before leading law enforcement on a high-speed chase that ended in his own death, authorities said.
The Volusia County Sheriff’s Office reported that deputies were dispatched to the Vaia residence on Parma Drive around 2:30 a.m. after a shooting was reported. Ashley Vaia was found dead by her teenage daughter. Samuel Vaia, who had been arrested for domestic violence against Ashley on March 23 and released on bond, fled the scene in his vehicle.
Law enforcement tracked Vaia’s SUV as it sped northbound on I-95, eventually entering Flagler County. With assistance from multiple agencies, stop sticks were deployed near Palm Coast, causing Vaia to crash his vehicle near the Hammock Dunes toll bridge. As SWAT teams approached, Vaia was found with a self-inflicted gunshot wound. He was rushed to a hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.
Volusia Sheriff Mike Chitwood emphasized the dangers of domestic violence, stating that Samuel Vaia was “hell-bent on killing” his ex-wife.
Ashley Vaia leaves behind three children, including a 2-year-old with Samuel. The community is offering condolences and support to her family during this difficult time. Resources for those experiencing domestic violence are available through the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233.
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