A devastating love triangle has culminated in a fatal shooting and suicide, sending shockwaves through a Florida community. The incident, driven by romantic rivalry, left one man dead and another taking his own life.
A Dispute Turns Deadly
According to the Flagler County Sheriff's Office, 26-year-old Trey Dean Wright arranged to meet his friend, 25-year-old Jacob Ryan DeWitt, at a remote location on Mahogany Boulevard in Bunnell. The meeting was a ruse, a premeditated act set in motion by a bitter dispute over a woman both men were involved with.
Upon arrival, Wright did not engage in conversation. Instead, he immediately drew a firearm and shot DeWitt multiple times, executing a brutal attack that left his former friend with no chance of survival.
The Aftermath and a Final Act
After carrying out the shooting, Wright fled the scene. He drove to a property on nearby John Anderson Highway, which belonged to the woman at the heart of the conflict, 25-year-old Alicia Lauderback. There, in a final tragic act, Wright turned the gun on himself, committing suicide.
Deputies discovered DeWitt's body at the initial scene just after 10:30 pm on Tuesday. Wright's body was found shortly thereafter at the second location.
The Woman in the Centre
While not physically harmed, Alicia Lauderback is considered a central figure and victim in this tragedy. Sheriff Rick Staly confirmed she had been in a relationship with both men, a situation that evidently boiled over into lethal violence. She is currently receiving support from law enforcement and victim advocates.
A Community Reacts
Sheriff Staly described the incident as a "classic love triangle that ended in a murder and the suspect's suicide." He expressed his condolences to the families of both young men, whose lives were needlessly cut short. "This is a tragic situation for the families of both men and for the young woman involved," Staly stated.
The investigation remains open as authorities work to piece together the final hours and the full sequence of events that led to this heartbreaking outcome.
