08/31/2026
On August 31, 2004, at approximately 8:30 p.m. Susan Perkins and a friend were tinting windows in a salon on Maitland Avenue. A masked black male entered the salon. He was armed with an unknown type of rifle. The suspect ordered Susan and the other female victim into Susan’s red Ford Focus and made them drive to the Washington Mutual Bank at 500 E. Altamonte Drive. After making the victim withdraw money from her account via the drive-through ATM, the suspect ordered the victim out of the vehicle and into the trunk.
While leaving the bank, the victims were able to utilize the emergency release handle inside the trunk. The victims leaped from the trunk, but Susan struck her head on the pavement in her brave attempt to escape. She suffered fatal injuries.
In this case, the suspect is described as a black male of medium build. He wore a mask and long-sleeve military-style jacket and was said to have possibly smelled of motor oil.
It has been 22 years since this incident occurred, and we are asking if anyone has any information regarding this case to please contact the Altamonte Springs Police Department and help Susan’s family find some closure. You can also contact Crimeline at 800-423-TIPS (8477) and remain completely anonymous. Tips that lead to the felony arrest of a suspect may be eligible for cash rewards, which are paid to tipsters anonymously.