DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — A mother from Daytona Beach was fatally shot by her estranged husband, triggering a manhunt that spanned several hours and concluded with a crash into a pond nearly 50 miles away. The incident has drawn attention to a troubling history of domestic abuse between the couple.
On July 27, Jacqueline “Jackie” Reyes, 44, was pronounced dead at her Reena Drive home following the intrusion by her estranged husband, Robert Reyes Jr., 54. According to police, the couple’s three sons now face a future without either parent after the tragic event. It is believed that Robert became enraged upon learning of Jackie’s new dating life, culminating in a violent confrontation. Daytona Beach Police Chief Jakari Young described the incident as particularly horrific, noting Robert’s previous incidents of aggression towards Jackie.
Authorities responded to the home shortly after 6 p.m. after one of the couple’s sons, who had been on the phone with Jackie during the encounter, alerted emergency services. He reported hearing his mother urging someone to drop a gun before the line abruptly ended with the sound of gunfire. First responders arrived to find Jackie dead, but Robert had already fled.
Investigators later determined that Robert forcibly entered the home through a back door before attacking his wife. Footage revealed that shortly after the shooting, he attempted to take his own life before fleeing the scene in a gray sedan. Police subsequently recovered multiple firearms linked to the crime.
An extensive search for Robert ensued throughout Central Florida. Law enforcement used automated license plate readers to track his vehicle as it moved across Titusville. After officers identified Robert’s car, they attempted to pull him over, but he eluded capture, ultimately crashing into a pond at Sand Point Park. Evidence suggests he died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound during or shortly before the crash. Fortunately, no officers were harmed as they pursued him.
Looking into the couple’s history, investigators noted that Jackie had relocated to Daytona Beach about a year prior, seeking to escape what had been an abusive relationship. Previous police reports indicated a pattern of harassment and aggression from Robert, including an incident in December 2025 when he allegedly broke into Jackie’s home and vandalized her belongings. While Jackie had sought a restraining order against Robert in 2017, it was dismissed after she failed to appear in court, leaving her without the legal protections she sought.
In the wake of these events, Jackie’s eldest son, David Reyes, expressed the profound loss his family faces. He recounted the horrifying moments leading up to his mother’s death and characterized her as a radiant personality who brought joy to those around her. David voiced a complex sorrow, acknowledging the loss of their father as well despite the grave actions he took against their mother. The brothers are planning separate funerals for both parents, a heart-wrenching task that speaks to their sorrow and confusion.
As the investigation unfolds, Daytona Beach police focus on the homicide case, while Titusville authorities handle the circumstances surrounding Robert’s pursuit and subsequent fatal crash. With Robert dead, the possibility of legal repercussions for his actions will not materialize, leaving unanswered questions about the couple’s turbulent relationship and the tragic events of that day.
The case serves as a stark reminder of the impact of domestic violence and the devastating consequences it can have on families. Investigators hope to piece together the timeline of events, though the final chapter for both Jacqueline and Robert Reyes has tragically closed, leaving behind three young boys to grapple with the losses.