An incident unfolded this week in Orange County as a lieutenant with the Sheriff’s Office was found dead, allegedly killed by her estranged husband, who reportedly tried to disguise the crime as a suicide, according to authorities.
Deputies responded to a residence on El Prado Avenue, where they discovered Eloilda “Ellie” Shea with a fatal gunshot wound to her head. Initially, the authorities believed the incident was a suicide based on the information available at the time.
However, as the investigation progressed, detectives now suspect that Ellie’s estranged husband, Anthony Shea, 49, a former sergeant with the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, was responsible for her death. According to the arrest report, Anthony allegedly shot Ellie in her bedroom and then attempted to make it look like a suicide to cover his tracks.
Anthony Shea was taken into custody on Friday and charged with first-degree murder with a firearm. He is currently being held without bond. Shea, who joined the Sheriff’s Office in October 2006, resigned in August 2024 while under investigation for conduct that could have led to his termination.
Sheriff John Mina expressed deep sorrow over the loss of Ellie, describing her as a dedicated member of the team and a rising star within the agency. He praised the homicide detectives for their commitment to seeking justice for their colleague, despite the difficulty of investigating the tragic death of one of their own.
“Ellie was a cherished part of our agency, known for her compassion and dedication,” said Sheriff Mina. “This week has been incredibly painful for all of us as we try to come to terms with her loss. We extend our deepest sympathies to her two daughters, her family, and everyone who had the privilege of knowing her.”