TPD Investigates Shooting on Thomasville Road (Updated 11/5/18)

November 03, 2018

Updated as of 11/5, 5 p.m.:

After interviewing dozens of witnesses and reviewing evidence on scene, it was determined that Scott Beierle entered the business posing as a customer and began shooting patrons with a handgun without warning. Patrons fought the assailant to prevent him from harming themselves and others. The assailant then turned the gun on himself and died on scene from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

The assailant arrived at the business in a 2015 Red Chevrolet Sonic. Investigators located the vehicle on scene and executed a search warrant. While visiting our community the assailant was staying at a local hotel. That room was located and processed by TPD Forensics, and the Violent Crimes Unit. It was discovered that the assailant is a graduate of Florida State University but is currently a resident of Deltona, Florida and has prior military service. He has been the subject of prior calls for service in the Tallahassee area related to harassment of young women.

Investigators are still trying to determine his direct connection to the victims and business. Further evidence of his motive for the shooting is being sought in the jurisdiction of his residence in Deltona, Florida. The Volusia County Sherriff’s Office assisted TPD with serving a search warrant early this morning at his residence.

Multiple search warrants have been obtained on the suspects electronic devices and social media profiles. Violent Crimes Investigators and Forensic Specialist are currently attending medical examinations of the decedents.

TPD would like to thank all the local, state and federal law enforcement agencies that have assisted and continue to assist with this ongoing investigation.

Police Chief Michael J. DeLeo offers his condolences to the family of Ms. Van Vessem and Ms. Binkley and will continue to keep all victims in his thoughts and prayers. TPD’s Victim Advocate Unit, in conjunction with partnering agencies, continue to provide support to the affected families.

Investigators have been working around the clock to uncover more information, and gain clarity as to why this senseless act occurred. Investigators are asking anyone with information about this case to please call them at (850) 891-4200 or Crime Stoppers at (850) 574-TIPS. This is currently an active investigation and TPD will provide updates when they are available.

Victims:

Nancy Van Vessem, 61 (Deceased)

Maura Binkley, 21 (Deceased)

 Sarah Hodges, 34 (Stable Condition)

Daniela Archila, 21 (Stable Condition)

Daniela Garcia Albalat, 19 (Treated and Released)

Sabrina O’Dette, 21(Treated and Released)

Joshua Quick, 33 (Treated and Released)

Assailant:

Scott Paul Beierle DOB: 10/06/1978

Original press release 11/3, 1 a.m.:

On November 2, 2018 at 5:37pm the Tallahassee Police Department responded to “Hot Yoga”, 1950 Thomasville Road reference to a shooting. Upon arriving on scene officers found multiple people suffering from gunshots wounds. TPD and Emergency responders immediately provided medical attention to the victims, who were later transported to a local hospital with non-life threatening, and life threatening injuries. The shooter was found deceased on scene, suffering from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.

TPD’s Violent Crimes Unit was called to the scene and have assumed the investigation. A total of seven victims have been identified: six gunshot victims, and one pistol whipped victim. Sadly, two of the gunshot victims have succumbed to their injuries. Two victims are in stable condition, and three have been released from a local hospital.

At this time TPD has interviewed over 40 witnesses, and summoned Victim Advocates to assist those dealing with this senseless act of violence. The motive of this shooting is still unknown. Investigators are asking anyone with information about this case to please call them at (850) 891-4200 or Crime Stoppers at (850) 574-TIPS. This is currently an active investigation and TPD will provide updates when they are available.

Victims/Deceased:

Nancy Van Vessem, 61 (Deceased)

Maura Binkley, 21 (Deceased)

Shooter/Deceased:

Scott Paul Beierle DOB: 10/06/1978

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