DBPD: Man wanted after shooting, killing 24-year-old woman

Suspect, victim did not know each other, police say

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla.Update: Suspect Michael Guardino has been found dead. Click here to read more.

The Daytona Beach Police Department is looking for a man they said shot and killed a 24-year-old woman early Saturday.

Daytona Beach police responded to a business on the 500 block of North Atlantic Avenue around 1 a.m., after receiving a report of a person being shot, police said.

Upon their arrival, police found a woman who had been shot in front of the Italian Pizza and Grill restaurant. Police said the woman, Victoria Akers, received emergency medical treatment at the scene before she was transported to Halifax Hospital, where she was later pronounced dead.

Police said Akers and her friends were at the Italian Pizza and Grill when an argument began between the suspect, Michael Guardino, 22, and her. The argument then turned physical between Guardino and one of Akers' friends, police said. Akers intervened and began fighting with Guardino before he pulled a gun and shot her, police said.

Police said Guardino and Akers did not know each other, but Guardino was familiar with one of Akers' friends.

Guardino fled on foot towards Seabreeze Boulevard, police said. No other details were available.

Daytona Beach police said Guardino is wanted on homicide charges, and that a reward is being offered for information leading to his arrest. Anyone with information on his whereabouts should call 386-671-5219, or visit www.dbpd.us to submit an anonymous tip.

A GoFundMe page has been set up in Akers' memory.


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