Samuel Vaia Obituary, Death; – A 38-year-old woman was fatally shot in Deltona by what authorities believe to be her ex-husband, as reported by the Volusia Sheriff’s Office.
The incident occurred at 2:23 a.m. in the 3200 block of Parma Drive, according to the VSO. Ashley Vaia was discovered deceased in her residence by her teenage daughter.
The suspect, identified as 33-year-old Samuel Vaia, fled the scene but was apprehended an hour later following a standoff with SWAT and a vehicle crash in Flagler County. Deputies confirmed that Samuel Vaia was the former spouse of the victim. He was taken to a hospital for treatment of injuries, which included a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head.
Unfortunately, Samuel Vaia later succumbed to his injuries at the hospital. The VSO reported that his white SUV was tracked heading north out of Volusia County at speeds exceeding 100 mph on Interstate 95. Deputies deployed stop sticks, which ultimately resulted in the crash.
Authorities described him as “armed, dangerous, and wearing body armor.” The suspect’s father, residing nearby, alerted the police, stating that Ashley Vaia had been shot and that his son had left the house dressed in camouflage, equipped with a bulletproof vest and two firearms.
Ashley Vaia was a mother to three children, aged 2, 19, and 21. The VSO noted that Samuel Vaia had been arrested the previous weekend on battery charges involving the same victim. Deputies responded around 1:48 a.m. on Sunday, March 23, after Ashley reported that her ex-husband had entered her bedroom, taken her phone, and accused her of infidelity.
Ashley Vaia indicated that she and her ex were trying to mend their relationship, and he still possessed a key to her home due to their shared custody arrangement for their child, as stated by the VSO. He was mandated to surrender all firearms and complied by turning in three, according to the VSO.
Sheriff Mike Chitwood expressed condolences, stating, “Our hearts go out to Ashley’s children and all her family and friends who have to cope with the loss of her to such a senseless act of violence. Time and again, we witness how domestic violence situations can escalate rapidly and dangerously.”
