On November 4, 2021, the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office (FCSO) responded to a call about a shooting on Bunker Knolls Lane in Palm Coast. Deputies responded to the residence to find two subjects, a male identified as Matthew Wright (DOB: 1/26/1996) and a female victim, both with gunshot wounds after an apparent domestic argument.

Responding deputies arrived and made contact with the sister of Wright who was in front of the residence, advising her brother was in the garage with a gunshot wound to the head. Deputies then found the victim who advised she had been shot several times by Wright. The victim stated she and Wright were arguing in the garage when Wright shot her while she was sitting on the couch. She then crawled from the garage to the side yard. When deputies entered the garage, they observed Wright lying on the floor with a firearm nearby with an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head.

Upon questioning family members, Wright’s mother and sister advised they were contacted by the victim that Wright had locked her in the garage and that he had shot her. Wright’s sister then contacted law enforcement. Utilizing investigative techniques, FCSO Detectives determined that as a convicted felon Wright had unlawfully obtained a firearm a few months ago and shot the victim at least four times and then shot himself once in the head. Both victims were trauma alerts and taken to Halifax Health’s Trauma Center. The victim is in critical condition and Wright died from his injuries.

Wright has an extensive criminal history dating to 2013 and has previously served two stints in Florida prisons. He was previously arrested and charged in Flagler County with Possession of Cocaine, Violation of Probation, Grand Theft, multiple counts of Burglary and attempted Burglary, Possession of Burglary Tools, Flee and Elude Law Enforcement, and Burglary with Assault and Battery. He was last released from a Florida prison on 12/11/2020.

“Unfortunately, this is another example of how a domestic situation can spiral out of control behind closed doors,” Sheriff Rick Staly said. “A young woman is fighting for her life because in a moment of rage, her boyfriend thought violence was the answer. The suspect won’t be a threat to anyone ever again. We are praying for the victim and hoping the victim can recover from her injuries. Violence is never the answer and if you are in a volatile situation, you can escape and resources are available to help you.”

Melissa Morreale

Public Affairs Officer

Organizational Services Division

Flagler County Sheriff’s Office