Daytona Beach police chief urges residents to remain vigilant until suspected killer caught

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Daytona Beach police said the person of interest they’re searching for in connection with the slaying of a couple Sunday has been spotted several times but has not been located.

Chief Jakari Young said he knows Bike Week and spring break are going on, but tracking down a killer is the most important task at hand.

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“We are now offering a $50,000 reward for info that leads to an arrest,” he said.

Young said the person of interest could answer who killed and slashed the throats of Terry and Brenda Aultman early Sunday.

“We still cannot confirm our person of (interest’s) name, but as we get more surveillance footage, we’re pushing that out to you,” he said.

The Daytona Beach Police Department tweeted three pictures of the man, who was wearing a gray tank top, a beige scarf, white pants, red gloves and a black cowboy hat. He was also carrying a backpack.

Police said the Aultmans were riding their bicycles home from Bike Week on Seabreeze Avenue when they were randomly attacked on Wild Olive Avenue.

Investigators said they were stabbed and their throats were slashed.

“This is one of the most vicious attacks I’ve ever seen in my 20 years. It’s extremely disturbing because it’s completely senseless. Usually, we can provide a nexus or a motive, but for this one right now, we cannot,” Young said.

The chief believes the Aultmans were playing it safe by riding bicycles home.

“What I mean is if someone is going out to a bar, the first thing we say is, ‘Don’t drink and drive. Don’t get behind the wheel if you’ve consumed alcoholic beverages.’ So what did they do? They took their bikes,” he said.

The chief said he thinks they were followed.

Young said they will keep their mobile surveillance unit on Wild Olive and will be searching until this person is caught.

He said they currently believe only one person was involved in the attack.

“I really don’t like to speculate for something like this, but they’re a couple. They’re a husband and wife. They love each other, obviously, so if one’s getting attacked the other’s not going to run away, they’re going to jump in and try to help their loved one,” he said.

The chief said all Daytona Beach residents need to remain vigilant and aware of their surroundings until the suspected killer is caught.

Concerned residents spoke with the police chief Wednesday evening to address their concerns.

“It’s shocking. And the most shocking part about all of it to me is the random aspect of it,” resident Paul Zimmerman said.

Vernon Weatherholtz and his wife said they will continue to be alert.

“We are hoping that they come up with something and it’s fast because I know it disturbs the neighborhood, and we just hope they catch him,” Weatherholtz said.

Anyone who has seen the person of interest or has any information is asked to call 386-671-5257.