The Indian River County community is mourning the tragic loss of two longtime public servants, Stacie Mason and Danny Ooley, who were fatally shot Tuesday morning in the parking lot of the county’s main library.
Stacie Mason, a traffic analyst technician, and Danny Ooley, assistant director of Public Works, were both respected colleagues and dedicated members of the county workforce. Their contributions over the years touched countless lives, and their sudden deaths have left a profound void in the community they served.
According to authorities, Mason and Ooley had recently formed a personal relationship. Both were married to other individuals at the time. Investigators believe Mason’s husband, Jesse Scott Ellis, 64, targeted the couple, fatally shooting them with a rifle. An AR-style firearm was recovered at the scene, and Ellis’s truck was later found at South Beach. Witnesses reported seeing a man matching Ellis’s description entering the ocean fully clothed shortly after the incident. Law enforcement continues to classify Ellis as at large and is actively pursuing all leads.
In a statement, County Chairman Deryl Loar and Administrator John A. Titkanich Jr. expressed deep sorrow, noting that Mason and Ooley’s absence is keenly felt throughout the county organization and the community.
Family, friends, and colleagues are remembering Mason and Ooley for their professionalism, dedication, and kindness. Messages of condolence and support continue to pour in, as the community grieves this tragic loss of two valued lives.
