Crime
Deltona Woman Fatally Shot by Ex-Husband, Suspect Dies After Fleeing and Crashing in Flagler County
DELTONA, FL – A domestic violence incident turned deadly early Monday when a Deltona woman was fatally shot by her ex-husband, who later took his own life after a high-speed pursuit ended in a crash in Flagler County.
The victim, identified as 38-year-old Ashley Vaia, was found deceased inside her home at approximately 2:22 a.m. by her child.
Authorities quickly identified the suspect as her ex-husband, 33-year-old Samuel Vaia, who fled the scene in a white SUV.
Using vehicle detection technology, law enforcement tracked Vaia’s SUV traveling northbound on I-95 at speeds exceeding 100 mph as he attempted to evade capture.
Multiple law enforcement agencies responded, successfully deploying stop sticks to disable the vehicle.
Vaia ultimately lost control and crashed near Palm Harbor Parkway and Hammock Dunes Parkway in Palm Coast at approximately 3:21 a.m.
Given that Vaia was considered armed and dangerous, and was reportedly wearing body armor, Volusia County Sheriff’s Office (VSO) deputies utilized drone surveillance while Flagler County SWAT officers cautiously approached the wrecked vehicle.
At approximately 5:15 a.m., SWAT extricated the suspect, who had sustained a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head.
Vaia was transported to AdventHealth Palm Coast Hospital, where he was later pronounced deceased.
Just one week before the fatal shooting, Samuel Vaia had been arrested on domestic violence battery charges involving the same victim.
According to deputies, on Sunday, March 23, at approximately 1:48 a.m., Ashley Vaia reported that her ex-husband entered her bedroom, took her phone, and accused her of infidelity.
The couple had been attempting to reconcile, and Vaia still had a key to her home due to a time-sharing arrangement involving their child.
During the altercation, Ashley stated that Vaia forcefully pushed her into a bathroom, covered her mouth, and prevented her from calling 911.
She was only able to break free when she called for her daughter, at which point Vaia fled.
Vaia was arrested and booked into the Volusia County Branch Jail on a battery (domestic violence) charge. He was released on a $2,000 bond the following evening.
Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood expressed condolences to the victim’s family and commended the coordinated response from multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office, Daytona Beach Police Department, St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office, and Florida Highway Patrol.
“Our hearts go out to Ashley’s children, and all her family and friends who have to deal with losing her to such a senseless act of violence,” said Sheriff Chitwood. “Time and time again, we see that domestic violence situations can escalate quickly and dangerously, with tragic consequences.”
Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly echoed the sentiments, stating, “I am thankful for the swift actions of our deputies in helping to prevent any further loss of life. This is a deeply tragic incident for all involved, and we send our condolences to the victim’s family during this extremely difficult time.”
For individuals experiencing domestic violence in Volusia County, free and confidential services are available through the Domestic Abuse Council of Volusia County at 386-257-2297 or www.dacvolusia.com.
Additionally, the National Domestic Violence Hotline is available at 800-799-SAFE (7233), via text by sending START to 88788, or through live chat at www.thehotline.org.
Crime
Aleksandr Aleksand Shablykin Fatally Stabs Mother Zoya Shablykin and Three Others at Key Peninsula Home
Five people, including the suspect, are dead following a violent stabbing incident and subsequent deputy-involved shooting Tuesday morning in the 14000 block of 87th Avenue Court Northwest near Gig Harbor, according to the Pierce County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO).
Authorities identified the suspect as 32-year-old Aleksandr Aleksand Shablykin.
Investigators say the incident began as a reported protection order violation and escalated into a deadly stabbing attack in a residential cul-de-sac.
Dispatchers received the first 911 call at approximately 8:41 a.m. reporting an “order violation in progress.” According to the sheriff’s office, an adult male had gone to a residence despite a no-contact protection order involving a female occupant of the home.
Deputies later clarified that although a protection order had been granted, it had not yet been formally served to the suspect and therefore was not legally enforceable at the time.
Deputies were en route to serve the order when the situation rapidly escalated.
At approximately 9:30 a.m., additional emergency calls reported that the man was actively stabbing individuals outside the home. Witnesses described a chaotic scene, with at least one victim attacked in the middle of the street in front of multiple bystanders.
A deputy arrived on scene minutes later.
According to Officer Shelbie Boyd, spokesperson for the Pierce County Force Investigation Team (PCFIT), gunfire was reported at 9:33 a.m.
“We have the adult male suspect who was shot by the deputy,” Boyd said during a press briefing.
Shablykin was pronounced dead at the scene.
Authorities have not yet released specific details regarding the exchange of gunfire but confirmed that the investigation remains active.
Deputies located four adult victims at the scene.
Three were pronounced dead at the residence. A fourth victim was transported to a nearby hospital in critical condition but later succumbed to their injuries.
One of the victims was identified as 52-year-old Zoya Shablykin, the suspect’s mother.
Authorities stated that relationships between the suspect and the additional victims remain under investigation.
Witness accounts suggest that neighbors may have intervened in an attempt to stop the attack.
Court records linked to the residence show that in April 2025, Zoya Shablykin petitioned for a protection order against her adult son. The order was granted in May.
In her petition, she alleged ongoing threats, harassment, and erratic behavior, including prior physical aggression. The filing referenced concerns about his mental health and stated he had previously pushed and threatened her.
The protection order prohibited the son from possessing weapons and from coming within 1,000 feet of his mother, her home, vehicle, or workplace. The order also required him to comply with a treatment plan and prescribed medications.
Investigators confirmed that although the order had been approved by the court, it had not yet been formally served to the suspect at the time of the incident. Deputies were attempting to serve the documentation when the stabbing occurred.
Court records indicate Shablykin had multiple prior contacts with law enforcement dating back to 2020, primarily involving traffic-related offenses, including driving without a valid license and refusing to identify himself during traffic stops. Records reflect at least 14 separate cases. A 2023 trespassing charge was dismissed.
A family acquaintance told media outlets that other immediate family members were not present at the residence during the attack and were safe elsewhere at the time of the incident.
The Pierce County Sheriff’s Office and the Pierce County Force Investigation Team are continuing to investigate both the stabbing deaths and the deputy-involved shooting. Authorities have not yet released the names of the additional victims pending notification of next of kin.
Officials described the event as a tragic escalation of a domestic situation that unfolded rapidly despite law enforcement response efforts.
Further updates are expected as the investigation proceeds.