In July, a double shooting occurred near Grant Avenue and Clayton Street, just a few blocks from Mount Dora Middle School. These are not the first accusations against Bell this year; In March, former MDPD Cpl. More than 600 citizens participated in the Stevens was ready and waiting when Investigative Reporter Daralene Jones arrived in the visitors area at the Lake County Jail. And the deputy Chief, Mike Gibson, who is now serving as interim chief, also signed off on the report. When LLN arrived, it was a highly active scene and LLN traveled around the outskirts of the scene for about 10 minutes. A person of interest in the murder of a Mount Dora husband and wife is in custody, according to interim police chief Mike Gibson. Video: Report notes toxic environment at Mount Dora PD: Whats being done to change that Only 9 Investigates went over the plan to revamp the Mount Dora Police Department after it went through two police chiefs in a year. Last Tuesday at the Mount Dora City Council meeting, attendees who stuck it out until the end found themselves in a session that lasted until almost midnight. Officials in Mount Dora held a news conference Tuesday afternoon to give an update on the homicide investigation of a married couple found dead inside a senior living community apartment. Detectives pinged cell phones, engaged license plate readers in three counties and even visited the mother of the woman they say killed a Mount Dora couple in their apartment on New Years Eve. Jessica Howell-Gonzalez filed a federal lawsuit against the City of Mount Dora alleging violations of Floridas Whistleblower Act, Family Medical Leave Act and the First Amendment. Brett Meade announced his READ: Mount Dora police release sketch of suspect in abduction. Four people, including a juvenile, were found dead in a Brevard County home, according to sheriffs office. MOUNT DORA, Fla. - A woman has been taken into custody as a person of interest in the murders of a Florida husband and wife at a senior living community over The officer and his supervisor never arrested the driver for suspicion of DUI, opting for an easier charge because they didnt want to do the paperwork involved. By clicking Sign Up, I confirmthat I have read and agreeto the Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. Stevens showed us where he has a scar from his broken femur and pointed out the area where he says he now has a rod in his back. In total, This is an ongoing investigation. During the meeting, Fewless and LLN discussed working together to build a better relationship. Mount Dora police said a security guard had called 911 to report the suspicious activity. MOUNT DORA, Fla. Police are investigating the death of a man and woman at a Senior Living Community apartment in Mount Dora. WebAs Mount Dora police investigate the double murder of a couple in the Waterman Village retirement community, their friends and relatives are devastated. Williams is currently being held on no bond at the Lake County jail. In August 2020, Channel 9 investigative reporter Karla Ray exposed a vote of no confidence against then-Chief Robert Bell, submitted to city staff just weeks before he suddenly retired. 2023 FOX Television Stations, 4 people found dead, including child, in Brevard County home, sheriff says, These 3 Florida roads are among the deadliest in the U.S., report shows, Surgeon runs down Philadelphia street to retrieve organ from transport vehicle stuck in traffic, SpaceX Crew-6 launch: 'All systems are looking good' for liftoff from Florida, Sheriff: Florida man shoots own dog in head, blames it on 'intruder', Cheerleader competes alone at state champs after squad quits: It felt amazing, This Florida gem is the state's oldest restaurant -- and it takes up an entire city block, Matanzas High student to be charged as adult in attack against teacher's aid: court docs, New charges filed against teen accused of killing Orlando journalist, little girl in Pine Hills shooting spree, Man in his 30s shot at Circle K gas station, Orange County deputies say. Records: Mount Dora officers arrested suspected drunk drivers on lesser charges to avoid paperwork, The statement by City Manager Patrick Comiskey reads: The City of Mount Dora is actively seeking external assistance in a third-party review of cases that were recently brought to my attention. Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, click here to download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. That's when police said the person of interest ran off, but not before grabbing a set of keys near the apartment's front door that belonged to a car and a mailbox. According to police, the woman in custody who was "dressed in a particular way" was escorted off the Waterman property by security on Friday, Dec. 30. around 3 p.m. More than an hour later, she was captured on a security camera on Lake Margaret Circle wearing the same outfit, which Gibson referred to as "very unique.". Interim Police Chief Mike Gibson said there is no threat to the public, but he was hesitant to say anything else. On Oct. 3, 2019, Howell-Gonzalez was interviewed, and she identified a witness to support her claims. Officials said the woman walked into the Walmart store on U.S. 441 on Sunday night and left with a load of cash. 2023 Cox Media Group. T&N Market is on sale, once a community store is now the site of a painful reminder of a double homicide that took place last year. On Saturday, officers responded to a report of LAKE COUNTY, Fla. Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty against the woman accused of killing a Mount Dora couple at their apartment in December. I prayed and prayed, and the Lord blessed me with you Ms. Jones, I guess, because youre the one that researched and found the incident because they have me facing 45 years in prison, Stevens told Jones. Adam Poulisse joined WFTV in November 2019. 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VIDEO: Deplorable: Man Tased by Mount Dora police sergeant speaks out, Deplorable: Man Tased by Mount Dora police sergeant speaks out, VIDEO: Mount Dora police officer accused lieutenant of sexual harassment, investigation shows, Mount Dora police officer accused lieutenant of sexual harassment, investigation shows, Sheriff: 4 found dead, including child, at Brevard County home, Governor requests information from state attorneys office on accused Pine Hills shooters record, All aboard: Ride SunRail for free this Saturday, West Virginia could pay former residents $25,000 to come back, Breeze Airways adds 4 new routes from Orlando International Airport. Police and security responded and checked the area and found nothing. [PHOTO CREDIT: Bonnie Whicher], Published since 2009, Lake Legal News is a high-quality, glossy magazine blending current events with both topical and historical profiles of Lake County, Florida, attorneys, judges, police officers, elected officials, and residents. She graduated from UCF and returned to Central Florida after working in Colorado. Karla Ray anchors Eyewitness News This Morning on Saturday and Sundays, and is an investigative reporter for the 9 Investigates unit. Neighbors said they are very concerned for their safety, but police will be keeping a watchful eye on the community for the time being. If you need help with the Public File, call 407-291-6000. Her professional career began at the Daily Commercial in 2004 where she covered cops and courts the majority of her time there until she left in 2009. It is valuable to build a level of trust between law enforcement and the public, in which the media plays a major role. In September 2021, a Mount Dora police sergeant pulled him over, because he said Stevens, was driving recklessly. MOUNT DORA, Fla. - A woman has been taken into custody as a person of interest in the murders of a Florida husband and wife at a senior living community over New Year's weekend, police announced during a news conference Tuesday afternoon. He further explains he cant put his car in park, as the Sergeant asks. MOUNT DORA, Fla. - A Georgia woman who police believe is connected to the murder of an elderly Mount Dora couple has a criminal history spanning back decades. Williams Death Penalty Filing by Sam Dunne on Scribd. A manner of death was not immediately released, but police previously described the crime as "heinous.". Vickie 1:22 MOUNT DORA Police in Savannah, Georgia have arrested the person of interest in the slaying of Darryl and Sharon Getman in their Waterman Village Home on Sunday. The Mount Dora police chief has sent a directive to his officers, following a 9 Investigates report. 2009-2019 James Hope D/B/A Lake Legal News, located in Tavares, Florida. When officers arrived at the scene, they found a deceased man and woman. Copyright 2023 ClickOrlando.com is managed by Graham Digital and published by Graham Media Group, a division of Graham Holdings. In September 2021, a Mount Dora police sergeant pulled him over, because he said Stevens, was driving recklessly. 0:00. MOUNT DORA, Fla. Only 9 Investigates went over the plan to revamp the Mount Dora Police Department after it went through two police chiefs in a year. He shot me with the taser twice and the last thing I remember thinking is that hes going to shoot me, so I had to get away from him, Stevens told Jones. Bloom is a former assisted living administrator and has major concern about security at senior living facilities like Waterman Village. About a dozen residents showed up at the press conference to try to get some answers. Mount Dora police investigate suspicious death of couple at senior living community. 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[TRENDING: Woman runs into record books, beats entire field at Disney Princess Half Marathon | US Supreme Court denies Crosley Greens petition in murder case | Become a News 6 Insider], The filing, dated Feb. 23, 2023, seeks the death penalty against Williams due to the killings being especially heinous, atrocious, or cruel.. LLN spoke with Fewless attorney Ryan Andrews of Andrews Law in Tallahassee Thursday afternoon and Friday morning. Multiple sources reached out to LLN since Thursday and told LLN that Fewless was allegedly fired by City Manager Robin Hayes at the urging of Bell. The chief said he believes the chain of command, which includes Deputy Thomas Mates is a digital storyteller for News 6 and ClickOrlando.com. Police in Mount Dora are looking for a woman who reportedly stole thousands of dollars from a Walmart. MOUNT DORA Police late Monday still had not publicly identified the elderly couple found slain in their home Saturday at Waterman Village Lakeside Community. She said, I lost my car key and I need to call my husband, but my phone needs charging, could I come in and charge my phone? Frank Blair said. In May, LLN was on scene the only media on scene of a murder at Lowes, 18795 U.S. Highway 441, Mount Dora attempting to get information from MDPD officers investigating the crime. The assessment reads, during the past two years, the Mount Dora Police Department has been in a state of organizational turmoil, resulting in the termination of a Chief of Police, a Deputy Chief, and the retirement of another Chief of Police., READ: He gets things done: Embattled former Mount Dora police chief up for new position with Deltona code enforcement, The problems trickled down throughout the agency, with several employees reporting they searched their offices for listening devices, as the level of suspicion and distrust was bordering on paranoia, with the vast majority describing the environment as toxic.. 1:07. By using this website, you accept the terms of our Visitor Agreement and Privacy Policy, and understand your options regarding Ad Choices. A reward for information is being offered in a homicide investigation of a husband and wife found dead at a Mount Dora senior living community over the weekend, according to police. Members of the department were suspicious of each other, the morale was not good, and thats what I walked into, interim Chief Brett Meade said. Howell-Gonzalez complained to a MDPD sergeant, who always advised her he was told to leave Ofc. Read: Mount Dora police investigate suspicious death of man and woman at senior living community. An investigation began after law enforcement responded to Waterman Village in Mount Dora around 4 p.m. Saturday after security was alerted by a concerned resident that the couple's garage door was open. Police said she drove off in a silver Toyota Corolla. The analysis noted the only category that most officers felt confident in their level of training was active shooter response, stating they feel insufficiently trained in all other categories. Mount Dora Interim Police Chief Mike Gibson said she was arrested out of state and will be extradited back to Florida in the coming days. Anyone with information about the case is asked to contact the Mount Dora Police Department or Crimeline at 1-800-423-TIPS. Sheriff: 4 found dead, including child, at Brevard County home, Governor requests information from state attorneys office on accused Pine Hills shooters record, All aboard: Ride SunRail for free this Saturday, West Virginia could pay former residents $25,000 to come back, Breeze Airways adds 4 new routes from Orlando International Airport. Please utilize our website regularly and follow us on Facebook, Nextdoor, Ring, Twitter, and Instagram to stay informed. The Mount Dora Police Department was the first law enforcement agency in the nation to receive full accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA). >>> STREAM WebHaving a blast helping out fellow TEGNA news station ABC24 WATN Memphis for the next few days!! If you have any information, call the Mount Dora Police Department Criminal Investigations Unit at (352) 735-7130. Andrews confirmed Fewless firing and advised that Fewless was fired for speaking with LLN July 17. In the body camera video, we never hear the Sergeant tell Stevens why hes being pulled over, he approaches the car and immediately asks for his license and registration. TAVARES State prosecutors will seek the death penalty for Vickie Lynn Williams if she is convicted of killing Darrell and The officer described the situation in a hostile work complaint as offensive and humiliating. MOUNT DORA, Fla. Mount Dora Police Chief Brett Meade on Wednesday afternoon announced his retirement, the city said in a news release. LLN has also been tipped off that Bell is just weeks away from retirement, following command staff complaints (including by Fewless), which informed Hayes of the unrest and hostile work environment in the department, created by Bell. 2023 Cox Media Group. Officials in Mount Dora held a news conference Tuesday afternoon to give an update on the homicide investigation of a married couple found dead inside a senior living The Sergeants Lieutenant, the former chief and interim chief - all signed off on the incident, though they agreed it was against department policy to tase someone sitting behind the wheel of a running vehicle. Brenda Argueta is a digital journalist who joined ClickOrlando.com in March 2021. ', Greece's worst-ever rail crash kills dozens, crushes cars, DeSantis team accused of threatening Trump fans with police outside of book signing: And the battle begins, Ouachita Parish Animal Shelter stops taking dogs amid high numbers of respiratory illness, Grafton incineration company agrees to take waste from East Palestine cleanup, Police investigate deadly accident in Hamilton Township. More than 600 citizens participated in the assessment process. The supervisor on the scene said he did have concerns and sent an email asking Gibson to review the video and requested a recommendation on whether the officer should be disciplined. He reportedly said the officer should accept the award by saying, Here, come take this, these are your people.. 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