Amy Mitchell, a 54-year-old woman from Cocoa, FL, was tragically killed on October 12, 2017. The incident occurred at her home on Atoka Court near Knoxville Avenue and Geona Street in Cocoa. Amy Mitchell, who was white, was shot multiple times by her former stepfather, Edward Douglas Ratcliffe, a 73-year-old man from Gilmer County, Georgia. Ratcliffe blamed Amy Mitchell for his divorce from her mother and drove from Georgia to Florida with the intent to kill her.
On the morning of
October 12, Ratcliffe confronted Amy Mitchell inside her home and shot her multiple times. She was airlifted to Holmes Regional Medical Center, where she later succumbed to her injuries. After the shooting, Ratcliffe fled to St. Johns County, where he called 911 and confessed to killing his stepdaughter. When deputies arrived at his location, Ratcliffe shot himself as they approached, resulting in a murder-suicide.
The Brevard County Sheriff's Office conducted an investigation into the incident, confirming that Ratcliffe's motive was his belief that Amy Mitchell was responsible for his divorce. There were no other suspects or arrests related to her death, as the perpetrator had taken his own life. The case was closed following the confirmation of the murder-suicide.
