Woman Claims Fatal Christmas Eve Shooting Was Self-Defense

Daytona Beach, FL - Detectives say a woman reportedly shot and killed her boyfriend after he raised a tomahawk over her as she was lying in bed late Christmas Eve. The Volusia Sheriff’s Office (VSO) responded to a San Jose Boulevard home just before midnight on Christmas Eve. There, deputies met with the 59-year-old woman who told investigators that she grabbed a gun that was next to the bed and shot her boyfriend, 60-year-old Troy Sorrell, in self-defense. According to the woman, she was in fear Sorrell was about to strike her with a tomahawk he held over his head.  While they were at the scene, deputies found the gun, a shell casing and a tomahawk with an approximately 2-foot handle. VSO also reports that the woman had an injunction against Sorrell from 2015 until January 2020. The Sheriff’s Office conducted a well-being check at the home after the woman said Sorrell was wearing military gear and carrying around a gun. No one was injured in that incident. She later told deputies Sorrell was protecting the home and she did not feel threatened by him. At this time, the woman will not be charged as the investigation continues. We will provide updates on this situation as they are made available.