Suspect in Deadly Gainesville Shooting Believed Dead After Daytona Beach Chase and Massive Search
The suspect accused in a deadly Gainesville shooting that left a 23-year-old woman dead is believed to have died after leading law enforcement officers on a chase through Volusia County, according to authorities.
Investigators with the Daytona Beach Police Department and Volusia County Sheriff’s Office said a body believed to be 31-year-old Xavion Perry was discovered washed ashore in Daytona Beach on Wednesday morning. Officials are still awaiting confirmation from the medical examiner to officially identify the body.
The incident began late Tuesday night when officers with the Gainesville Police Department responded to reports of gunfire at the Creeks Edge Condos located on Northwest 23rd Boulevard in Gainesville, Florida. Authorities say officers arrived shortly before 10 p.m. and discovered a 23-year-old woman suffering from multiple gunshot wounds.
Despite emergency efforts, the woman was pronounced dead at the scene.
Investigators quickly identified Xavion Perry as the primary suspect in the fatal shooting. Police say Perry fled Gainesville immediately after the incident, triggering a regional manhunt that stretched into Volusia County.
Around 11:30 p.m., officers in Daytona Beach spotted Perry’s vehicle and attempted to conduct a traffic stop. Instead of surrendering, Perry allegedly fled, leading officers on a pursuit through the area. Deputies with the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office joined the chase as the suspect attempted to evade capture.
Authorities say the pursuit came to a dramatic end near a pier in Daytona Beach. During the chase, Perry reportedly abandoned his vehicle, ran onto the pier, and eventually jumped onto the beach before disappearing from officers’ sight.
Law enforcement agencies launched an extensive overnight search operation in an attempt to locate the suspect.
On Wednesday, investigators announced that a body believed to be Perry had washed ashore nearby. Detectives said the circumstances surrounding the death remain under investigation while they await official confirmation from the medical examiner.
Officials also revealed that Perry had allegedly been livestreaming on social media during portions of the pursuit and reportedly made suicidal comments before disappearing. Authorities say investigators are reviewing the online activity as part of the ongoing case.
According to police, Perry had a previous criminal history that included charges related to grand theft, domestic violence, and resisting an officer.
The identity of the woman killed in the Gainesville shooting has not yet been publicly released pending notification of family members.
The Gainesville Police Department, Daytona Beach Police Department, and Volusia County Sheriff’s Office continue to investigate the deadly shooting and the events that followed.
Anyone with additional information related to the case is encouraged to contact local law enforcement authorities.
Gainesville Shooting Investigation Continues
The tragic incident has shocked residents in both Gainesville and Daytona Beach as investigators piece together the timeline leading up to the deadly shooting and pursuit. Authorities are expected to release additional details once the medical examiner completes the identification process and investigators finish reviewing evidence collected from the scene.
Law enforcement officials are urging the public to avoid spreading unverified information online while the investigation remains active.
FAQ
Who was the suspect in the Gainesville shooting?
Police identified the suspect as 31-year-old Xavion Perry.
What happened after the Gainesville shooting?
Authorities say Perry fled Gainesville, led officers on a chase in Daytona Beach, abandoned his vehicle, and disappeared near a pier before a body believed to be his was later found washed ashore.
Was the suspect confirmed dead?
Officials say a body believed to be Perry was recovered, but the medical examiner is still working to officially confirm the identity.
Where did the shooting happen?
The deadly shooting occurred at Creeks Edge Condos on Northwest 23rd Boulevard in Gainesville, Florida.
What is the status of the investigation?
The investigation remains ongoing as multiple law enforcement agencies continue reviewing evidence and awaiting official identification results.