BRADENTON, Fla. — A violent killing spree in Manatee County culminated in the death of the suspect, Javontee Brice, 28, after he exchanged gunfire with deputies near the Florida/Georgia state line. Sheriff Rick Wells provided a detailed account of the tragic events during a press conference on Tuesday morning.

The series of events began Monday night at an apartment complex in Palmetto. Brice reportedly went to the apartment where his sister and one of his ex-girlfriends, who is also the mother of one of his children, were staying. According to Sheriff Wells, Brice declared his intention to kill his ex-girlfriend. His sister, however, managed to convince him not to go through with the act, averting a potential tragedy at that moment.

The situation escalated later that night. Shortly after 9:15 p.m., Brice arrived at the Motel 6 on 67th Street Circle East in Bradenton, where his mother, her boyfriend, and two of Brice's young sisters were staying. Brice entered the room and, after reportedly telling his mother, Titimysha Scott, "I'm sorry," he shot her three times. Scott, 48, died from her injuries, while the others in the room, including the young sisters, survived the traumatic incident.

First responders and Manatee County Sheriff's deputies arrived at the motel within minutes of the 911 call, but Brice had already fled. The motive for this initial act of violence remains unclear, leaving investigators and family members searching for answers.

Brice's rampage did not end there. Around 9:40 p.m., he approached his 29-year-old cousin, Sacouya Starquez Jonquila Brice, as she was leaving a family cookout on 26th Street Court East near 9th Avenue Drive East in Palmetto. Brice shot her while she was inside her SUV. Despite the efforts of first responders, she succumbed to her injuries about an hour later.

Less than half an hour after this second murder, at approximately 10:15 p.m., Brice targeted another ex-girlfriend living on 51st Street in Bradenton. At her home, Brice shot 31-year-old Charel Carter, his ex-girlfriend's new partner. Carter was critically injured and later died at the hospital despite medical efforts to save her.

The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, realizing the severity of the situation, issued a statewide "Be On the Lookout" (BOLO) for Brice's car. Multiple law enforcement agencies, including local police and state authorities, collaborated to track Brice. Their efforts led them to Hamilton County, close to the Florida/Georgia state line.

As law enforcement closed in on Brice, he attempted to cross the state line to evade capture. A tense confrontation ensued, during which Brice opened fire on the deputies. In the exchange of gunfire, Brice was shot and killed, ending his violent rampage.

Sheriff Wells, in his press conference, expressed deep sorrow over the events, highlighting the senseless nature of the violence. “This was a tragic and senseless series of events that has left families shattered and a community in mourning,” he said. “Our thoughts are with the victims and their loved ones as we work to understand what led to these horrific acts.”

The community of Manatee County is grappling with the aftermath of this devastating night. Friends and neighbors of the victims are left in shock, struggling to comprehend the brutality of Brice's actions. Vigils and memorials are being planned to honor the victims and support their grieving families.

In the wake of the incident, the Florida Department of Children and Families has stepped in to evaluate custody arrangements for Brice's surviving siblings to ensure their safety and well-being. The tragic events have mobilized community leaders and support organizations to provide assistance and counseling to those affected.

The investigation into Brice's motives continues as detectives and forensic teams work to piece together the circumstances that led to the killings. Preliminary reports suggest a possible history of domestic issues and mental health struggles, but authorities have yet to confirm any definitive reasons behind Brice's actions.

This incident underscores the critical need for continued vigilance and cooperation among law enforcement agencies to respond swiftly to acts of violence and protect communities from such tragic occurrences. It also highlights the importance of addressing domestic violence and mental health issues proactively to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

As the investigation progresses, Sheriff Wells and his team remain committed to providing updates to the public and ensuring that justice is served for the victims and their families. The community’s resilience and solidarity in the face of such tragedy are a testament to its strength and determination to overcome this dark chapter.