READ: Mount Dora police release sketch of suspect in abduction. Williams is currently being held on no bond at the Lake County jail. On Saturday, officers responded to a report of potentially suspicious activity in the Senior Living Community, Waterman Village, located at 150 Waterman Avenue. LLN spoke with Fewless attorney Ryan Andrews of Andrews Law in Tallahassee Thursday afternoon and Friday morning. When describing the couple, he became emotional. Brenda Argueta is a digital journalist who joined ClickOrlando.com in March 2021. MOUNT DORA, Fla. 9 Investigates has learned more about why the Mount Dora police chief suddenly resigned last week. Thomas is originally from Northeastern Pennsylvania and worked in Portland, Oregon before moving to Central Florida in August 2018. This station is part of Cox Media Group Television. According to the Mount Dora Police Department, officers He graduated from Temple University with a degree in Journalism in 2010. Authorities investigate an incident in Mount Dora. On Saturday, officers responded to a report of It is valuable to build a level of trust between law enforcement and the public, in which the media plays a major role. WebAs Mount Dora police investigate the double murder of a couple in the Waterman Village retirement community, their friends and relatives are devastated. This station is part of Cox Media Group Television. (Photo via Mount Dora Police Department). We went to City Hall, to ask the City Manager about his plans to have an outside agency to investigate this and other incidents 9-investigates has exposed, but a spokesperson told us they would provide a statement, instead. Police said she drove off in a silver Toyota Corolla. 0:00. Police in Mount Dora are looking for a woman who reportedly stole thousands of dollars from a Walmart. Police said Williams was spotted wandering around the retirement community multiple times between Dec. 30 and 31, and on one occasion, knocked on another resident's door and asked to take a shower before that resident pressed her panic button. A captain on scene finally gave LLN information and Fewless assured LLN that in the future, getting information would not be a problem. In total, 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. 2023 Cox Media Group. WebMike Gibson Interim Chief of Police Ph: (352) 735-7130 Fax: (352) 383-4623 Email gibsonm@cityofmountdora.com Copyright 2023 ClickOrlando.com is managed by Graham Digital and published by Graham Media Group, a division of Graham Holdings. Pat Blair said two police agents wanted them to look at a picture that they had of three people to possibly identify her. MOUNT DORA, Florida Just two business days after meeting with Lake Legal News to create a better relationship with the media, Mount Dora Police Deputy LAKE COUNTY, Fla. Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty against the woman accused of killing a Mount Dora couple at their apartment in December. According to her lawsuit, Howell-Gonzalez asked that this activity cease immediately and that her concerns be immediately investigated. MDPD allegedly ignored her request, and inexplicably, Howell[-Gonzalez] was instead told that the IA investigation into Severance must first be completed.. Police are investigating the death of a man and woman at a Senior Living Community apartment in Mount Dora. Gibson said he believes the murders were a random act. The suspect put his vehicle in reverse while I was standing next to the vehicle with the drivers door open. READ: Police search for men shooting people with airsoft guns in downtown Mount Dora. Read: Pedestrian killed in deadly Central Florida hit-and-run crash, troopers search for vehicle. VIDEO: Investigation provides insight into Mount Dora police chiefs sudden resignation Investigation provides insight into Mount Dora police chiefs sudden resignation. 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. Copyright 2022 by WKMG ClickOrlando - All rights reserved. 0:22. charged last month with first-degree murder and grand theft, Waterman Village senior living complex on Dec. 31. the resident hit an alarm button, and the woman then grabbed a set of keys and fled. ', Greece's worst-ever rail crash kills dozens, crushes cars, Just Fontaine, who scored 13 goals at 1958 World Cup, dies, Tri-State could get 2-3 inches of rain late this week. "I dont understand what happened their with so many opportunities to apprehend her or to hold her to see what she was up to," she said. A person of interest in the murder of a Mount Dora husband and wife is in custody, according to interim police chief Mike Gibson. Neighbors said they are very concerned for their safety, but police will be keeping a watchful eye on the community for the time being. The Mount Dora Police Department said officers responded to the Waterman Village senior living complex on Dec. 31 and found the couple stabbed to death inside their home. !#TeamTEGNA #ABC24 Liked by Steve Darrell, B.S./M.F.A ShoPros Live Event Service On The Road This Week! Vickie Williams, 50, given no bond amount on 3 charges. READ: Investigation provides insight into Mount Dora police chiefs sudden resignation. (Karla Ray, WFTV.com). MOUNT DORA, Fla. A Mount Dora Police Communications manager has been fired over allegations that she violated police policy, providing information to a man she was having an affair with. Chicago Mayor Lightfoot ousted; Vallas, Johnson in runoff, King asks Duke and Duchess of Sussex to move out of Frogmore so Prince Andrew can move in, Biden Mocks Marjorie Taylor Greene With 1 Simple Hand Gesture, A Nebraska high-school cheerleader competed on her own after the rest of her squad quit. Watch: 4th person dies after last weeks fire at Orange County warehouse used to store fireworks. WebMount Dora Stay current with all the latest and breaking news about Mount Dora, compare headlines and perspectives between news sources on stories happening today. 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. 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. >>> STREAM CHANNEL 9 VIDEO: Investigation provides insight into Mount Dora police chiefs sudden resignation, Investigation provides insight into Mount Dora police chiefs sudden resignation, Video: Records: Mount Dora officers arrested suspected drunk drivers on lesser charges to avoid paperwork. Fewless listened to the concerns and suggested meeting with LLN in person, to better the relationship between MDPD and the media. MOUNT DORA, Florida Just two business days after meeting with Lake Legal News to create a better relationship with the media, Mount Dora Police Deputy Chief Michael Fewless was fired for meeting with Lake Legal News. 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. He was treated for serious injuries that forced him to be flown to Orlando Regional Medical Center in downtown Orlando. Currently, along with being Editor-in-Chief of Lake Legal News, she is the Florida bureau chief for an international media organization. The vehicle accelerated while in reverse striking me with the drivers door open, the officer wrote in his report. At press time, LLN was awaiting numerous public records to confirm these allegations. Contact her with breaking news, tips, and feedback by sending an e-mail to352Tips@gmail.com. This station is part of Cox Media Group Television. 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. About a dozen residents showed up at the press conference to try to get some answers. Frank and Pat Blair said the day before the murders, a woman tried to get them to let her in their home. We appreciate all the support we have received. Information about criminal activity in the community is a matter of public concern, and the medias relationship with law enforcement is as well. On Saturday, officers responded to a report of Learn about careers at Cox Media Group. (When LLN arrived at Fewless office, Chief Robert Bell was leaning against a nearby wall and appeared displeased to have LLN inside the department.). Just four days later, the witness received an anonymous letter devoted entirely to Severances interests threatening the witness with a defamation lawsuit. Howell-Gonzalez complained to a MDPD sergeant, who always advised her he was told to leave Ofc. Stevens explains that hes having car trouble. Police officers responded to the complex later Saturday afternoon after the couple was found dead. We went to City Hall today, to ask the City Manager about his plans to have an outside against investigate this and other incidents 9-investigates has exposed. Mount Dora police investigate suspicious death of couple at senior living community. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Tuesday marks one year since the shooting that killed the couple who owned T&N Market in Mount Dora. The tenant became panicked and pushed her emergency alarm button, police said. Brett Meade announced his resignation Wednesday, according to a news release. Our Editor-in-Chief, Marilyn M. Aciego, began writing forLake Legal Newsin 2010. 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. Anyone with information on this theft is asked to call the Mount Dora Police Department at 352-735-7130. A manner of death was not immediately released, but police previously described the crime as "heinous.". Police said they should be able to give more information Monday and they have been in contact with the victims son, but would not release any names until he arrives in town. Channel 9 asked police multiple times if they were looking for a Mount Dora Police has seen half its staff turn over in the last two years, and are recruiting for new officers right now. (Andrews represented Fewless in a prior case involving retirement issues with another agency.). Howell-Gonzalez is represented by Christopher Pace of Jill S. Schwartz & Associates in Winter Park. 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. On Saturday, officers responded to a report of potentially suspicious activity in the Senior Living Community, Waterman Village, located at 150 Waterman Avenue. At some point, Williams allegedly returned, killed the Getman's, and then left in their vehicle. She spoke to the interim chief about a department-wide assessment that took six months to complete. Im not going to say it didnt happen. Bell soon faced issues of concern including questions about personnel and policies raised by members of the police department. The top priority, though, is reworking all agency policies and procedures. Read: Foggy and wet start to the New Year. PUBLISHED 5:16 PM ET Jul. Mount Dora Police has seen half its staff turn over in the last two years, and are recruiting for new officers right now. Those arrests ranged from misdemeanors to felonies, including assault, criminal trespassing, theft, robbery, receiving stolen property, and domestic violence. >>> STREAM CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS Michael Gibson, who was also helpful and offered his assistance in building an open relationship. In interviews, Williams insisted that she got the car from an acquaintance in Georgia named Fuller Blue, that she was living in the car, and that she hadnt been in Florida in years. Florida prosecutors intend to seek the death penalty against Vickie Williams, the woman accused of violently killing an older couple inside their home in a retirement community in Mount Dora. 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. It just shows how well thought of our parentswere," they said in a statement, previously shared with news outlets. However, in this case, the 'golden years' of Darryl and Sharon were tragically cut short by a ruthless and senseless double homicide," he said. He reportedly said the officer should accept the award by saying, Here, come take this, these are your people.. Hes been sitting in the Lake County Jail since he was released from the hospital last September after two weeks. This is an ongoing investigation. She told FOX 35, "She said she lost her car keys and needed to charge her phone. 1:07. 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 officer replied by saying shes Puerto Rican and OGrady said, same thing, according to the report. MOUNT DORA, Fla. - Florida prosecutors intend to seek the death penalty against Vickie Williams, the woman accused of violently killing an older couple inside their home in a retirement community in Mount Dora. Mount Dora 2023 Cox Media Group. About a dozen residents showed up at the press conference to try to get some answers. LLN works hard to build and maintain open and transparent relationships with all local public safety agencies to keep information flowing from the agency, to LLN and finally to the public. Copyright 2023 ClickOrlando.com is managed by Graham Digital and published by Graham Media Group, a division of Graham Holdings. He wrote in the affidavit of probable cause that Police are investigating the death of a man and woman at a Senior Living Community apartment in Mount Dora. Williams is also charged with grand theft auto. When officers arrived at the scene, they found a deceased man and woman. Police said the woman doesn't appear to have any ties to the Central Florida area, and they believe the woman was passing through. Chicago Mayor Lightfoot ousted; Vallas, Johnson in runoff, King asks Duke and Duchess of Sussex to move out of Frogmore so Prince Andrew can move in, Biden Mocks Marjorie Taylor Greene With 1 Simple Hand Gesture, A Nebraska high-school cheerleader competed on her own after the rest of her squad quit. LLN received a tip moments after the shooting occurred and was on scene not long after the first 9-1-1 call was received. 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. In a press conference on Sunday, police said the couples deaths are suspicious and they will investigate the case as a homicide. The officer described the situation in a hostile work complaint as offensive and humiliating. She said the support she got from other teams was 'overwhelming. John Stevens will likely die in prison if hes convicted for any of the long list of felony charges he faces, including aggravated battery on a law enforcement officer, aggravated fleeing or attempting to elude, leaving the scene of a crash and driving while license canceled suspended or revoked. [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.. WebHaving a blast helping out fellow TEGNA news station ABC24 WATN Memphis for the next few days!! Police said a security camera captured the Getman couple's vehicle leaving the Waterman Village senior living community during the early morning hours of Dec. 31, 2022, according to police. Channel 9 asked police multiple times if they were looking for a suspect and if the community was safe. Meade served as interim chief beginning in July 2020 and was named as the permanent replacement in April 2021. By clicking Sign Up, I confirmthat I have read and agreeto the Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. LLN departed the meeting confident that a clear path had been forged to build communication between MDPD and the media. Mount Dora police 9 Investigates is reporting ongoing turmoil within the Mount Dora Police Department tied to the retirement of its last chief of police. (WFTV.com News Staff) MOUNT DORA, Fla. Mount Dora Police Chief Brett Meade on Wednesday afternoon announced his retirement, the city said in a news release. He wrote in the affidavit of probable cause that he spotted Stevens cutting in front of several vehicles on Highway 441, near Donnelly Street. Gibson said the resident hit an alarm button, and the woman then grabbed a set of keys and fled. Anyone with information about the case is asked to contact the Mount Dora Police Department or Crimeline at 1-800-423-TIPS. That means hiring a training supervisor, as well as a crime analyst who can identify trends in crime. The Getman's adored the Mount Dora community, their children said, and have lived in the city for more than 20 years. Design by Artisan Internet Marketing, located in Mount Dora, Florida. Mount Dora police said a security guard had called 911 to report the suspicious activity. It was the goal of both LLN and Fewless to begin creating that transparency. It appears it was a random crime, Gibson said during a news conference. She has pleaded not guilty to all charges, according to online court records. Police are not releasing any details at this time. By clicking Sign Up, I confirmthat I have read and agreeto the Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. We have not wavered from our search. (City of Mount Dora) MOUNT DORA, Fla. Firefighters fought a raging house fire in Mount Dora Sunday afternoon, after a house was struck by lightning. MOUNT DORA, Fla. The City of Mount Dora is seeing a change in leadership within its police department. Read: Mount Dora police investigate suspicious death of man and woman at senior living community. January 4 Mount Dora (WFTV/WFTV) MOUNT DORA, Fla. Police are investigating the death of a man and woman at a Senior Living Community apartment in Mount Dora. Williams, 50, was arrested in Savannah, Georgia in the couples stolen car. 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. Around 2 a.m. on Saturday, a green Kia Soul, the Getman couple's vehicle, was captured on camera driving out of the complex, police said. The main topic was a proposed high-rise multiuse development in the Wolf Branch Innovation District east of downtown that would be taller than the maximum height allowed in the city. Stevens, at this point, was in the center lane of traffic, sandwiched between two other vehicles on the busy highway. The chief said he believes the chain of command, which includes Deputy Chief Mike Gibson, didnt launch an investigation because they viewed it as a normal police hand-to-hand contact. VIDEO: Deplorable: Man Tased by Mount Dora police sergeant speaks out Deplorable: Man Tased by Mount Dora police sergeant speaks out. Welcome to the Mount Dora Police Department page and thank you for your visit! 35, `` she said the day before the murders, a division Graham... Seen half its staff turn over in the community is a matter of public concern, and have lived the. Press conference on Sunday, police said, Fla Media Group Television provides insight into Mount )! 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