Donna Ranson, an 80-year-old white female, passed away on March 2, 2018, in Vero Beach, Florida. Her death was part of a tragic incident that was later confirmed to be a murder-suicide. Donna and her husband, William Ranson, had been living in the Lakewood Village RV community for over a decade after relocating from Punta Gorda, Florida, following the destruction of their home by Hurricane Charley in 2004.
The couple had enjoyed a peaceful retirement in Vero Beach, where Donna engaged in crocheting and William in reading.
On the morning of March 2, 2018, the Indian River County Sheriff's Office was alerted to a possible incident at the Ransons' home. Upon arrival, deputies discovered the bodies of Donna and William Ranson. The investigation revealed that William Ranson had shot his wife, Donna, before taking his own life. A note left by William indicated his intentions, stating that he had shot Donna and planned to shoot himself. There were no signs of forced entry, and the couple had been suffering from the flu, with Donna not eating well in the days leading up to the incident.
The case was handled as a murder-suicide by the Indian River County Sheriff's Office. Detective Michael Dilks confirmed that there were no indications of external foul play, and the couple's daughter, Vicki Ranson, who lived nearby, found the note and called the authorities. The Ransons were survived by their children and grandchildren, and their deaths left a significant impact on their community.
No arrests or further suspects were involved in the case, as the investigation concluded that William Ranson was solely responsible for the tragic event. The couple's history, including their move to Vero Beach and their life together, was detailed by their daughter, who shared that they had enjoyed traveling and had visited all 50 states. Donna Ranson was buried in Three Oaks, Michigan, while William Ranson requested to be cremated. The community mourned the loss of the couple, who had been well-liked and respected by their neighbors.
