ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. (TCN) — Authorities recently arrested a former sergeant after he allegedly killed his estranged wife, a lieutenant, following a “bad night.”
According to the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, on Oct. 14, deputies responded to a report of a suicide involving an Orange County Sheriff’s Office lieutenant, 39-year-old Eloilda “Ellie” Shea. Authorities said in an affidavit that the victim’s estranged husband, 49-year-old Anthony Shea, made the 911 call. Deputies did not find Ellie Shea’s body at the scene but later learned she was at AdventHealth East Hospital after suffering a single gunshot wound to the temple.
Investigators reportedly searched the residence and determined Shea had been fatally shot in a bedroom on the second floor.
According to the affidavit, officials interviewed Anthony Shea, and he said, “We had a bad night last night, arguing about my affair.” Anthony Shea allegedly had intercourse with another woman while on duty as a sergeant, and an internal investigation ensued. Shea resigned from his position on Aug. 16.
Ellie Shea would allegedly “come home from work each day with new pieces of information that was uncovered during the investigation,” and she “would cry once she returned home.”
According to court documents, on Oct. 13, Anthony Shea, Ellie Shea, and their children attended church and donated blood. Ellie Shea reportedly told the blood donation workers to get rid of her husband’s donation “due to his affair.” When they returned home, Anthony Shea and Ellie Shea allegedly argued about the blood donation, and they continued to fight until the early hours of the next day.
The following morning, authorities said Ellie Shea called in sick for work. Anthony Shea allegedly claimed she wanted some space, so he left their home with their two children to go shopping at a Publix. Shea reportedly told investigators he returned home and found his wife on the bed in a pool of blood with a gun on her chest before calling 911. Investigators uncovered text messages between Shea and his wife, initially corroborating his claims.
According to the affidavit, Shea said his wife had attempted to take her life in the past after being the victim of an alleged sexual battery before their relationship. Shea also purportedly claimed the victim had suicidal thoughts after her father died, and he said she “was afraid of the stigma of being in law enforcement and having depression.”
Authorities said in the affidavit that they later determined Shea had sent text messages from his wife’s phone, “manufactured evidence,” and established an alibi and provided a motive for suicide in an attempt to conceal his crimes.
Investigators allege his “actions were organized and premeditated” and that he fatally shot his wife. Deputies arrested him on a charge of first-degree murder, and he remains held in the Orange County Jail without bond.
In a statement posted by the sheriff’s office, officials said Ellie Shea joined their department in 2011, “quickly making her mark as a compassionate law enforcement officer, rising star, and friend to so many she worked alongside.” She reportedly “lit up every room she entered with her infectiously, bubbly personality, beautiful spirit, and kind smile.”
Deputies said Shea “was a mentor, teacher, advocate, protector, cheerleader, and an inspiration to women aspiring to be leaders. A loving mommy of two little girls, Ellie served her community with grace, integrity, and pride, and she will be profoundly missed.”
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