Murder

Missing person investigation ends with victim, suspect dead near Mount Dora

MOUNT DORA, Fla. — A missing person report Wednesday led Lake County Sheriff’s Office deputies to the discovery of two deceased people, including the missing person and a neighboring resident identified as the suspect, according to the sheriff’s office. Around 5:30 p.m., deputies responded to a residence in the area of Bay Road in unincorporated Mount Dora after receiving a report of a missing person, Lake County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Stephanie Earley said. When deputies arrived, they discovered a bullet hole in the passenger-side window of the victim’s vehicle and blood inside. While searching the vehicle, deputies found the victim deceased […]

Missing person investigation ends with victim, suspect dead near Mount Dora Read More »

Inside Scoop, Mount Dora, Unincorporated Lake / By / August 13, 2026

Eustis father arrested in connection with DeLand double murder investigation

EUSTIS, Fla. — A Eustis father is behind bars, accused of helping his teenage son evade law enforcement following a double murder in DeLand, DeLand Police Department announced Friday. Daytron W. Etkins, 41, was arrested shortly after 6:45 a.m. Friday at his Bates Avenue home. Detectives also executed a search warrant at the residence with the assistance of the Lake County Sheriff’s Office, according to DeLand police. Etkins is charged with accessory after the fact in connection with an investigation involving his 17-year-old son, Keyan Rundell. Rundell is accused of murdering Dustin Rose, 19, and Samson Campbell, 18. Police said

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Eustis, Inside Scoop / By / August 7, 2026

Grand jury indicts man in killing of Eustis woman; prosecutors seek death penalty

TAVARES, Fla. — A Lake County grand jury has indicted Shahidul Islam in the 2025 killing of Monica Islam, and prosecutors are seeking the death penalty. Islam, 44, is charged with premeditated first-degree murder with a firearm in Monica Islam’s May 2, 2025, death. Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney Bill Gladson announced the indictment alongside Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia and Lake County Sheriff Peyton Grinnell at a press conference Tuesday afternoon. According to the State Attorney’s Office, Islam was transferred back to Lake County after being sentenced in his most recent federal criminal case for unlawful reentry into the

Grand jury indicts man in killing of Eustis woman; prosecutors seek death penalty Read More »

Eustis, Inside Scoop, Mount Dora, Unincorporated Lake / By / July 8, 2026

Three years later, Bryson Leverette’s killing remains Lady Lake’s only unsolved homicide

LADY LAKE, Fla. — Nearly three years after 20-year-old Bryson “Swift” Leverette was gunned down outside a Lady Lake home, investigators are again asking for the public’s help in solving the town’s only unsolved homicide. Leverette was fatally shot and another person was wounded around 12:45 a.m. June 30, 2023, as they were leaving a home at 104 Caroline Ave. in the Skyline Hills area, according to the Lady Lake Police Department. Investigators said the victims were ambushed by multiple suspects armed with several firearms. The suspects fled the area in unknown vehicles, and no arrests have been made. “Three

Three years later, Bryson Leverette’s killing remains Lady Lake’s only unsolved homicide Read More »

Inside Scoop, Lady Lake / By / June 29, 2026

Murder suspect returned to Lake County more than a year after woman’s death

TAVARES, Fla. — The man accused of killing his sister-in-law last year is back in Lake County and in the custody of the Lake County Sheriff’s Office. Shahidul Islam, 43, was extradited from federal custody to Lake County Sunday, LCSO Sgt. Jim Vachon said. He is being held on no bond in the Lake County Jail. LCSO detectives obtained an arrest warrant more than a year ago after Monica Islam, 44, was found murdered in unincorporated Mount Dora after being reported missing from Eustis. She was found shot to death near Scenic Hills Drive and Wolf Branch Road on May 2,

Murder suspect returned to Lake County more than a year after woman’s death Read More »

Eustis, Inside Scoop, Mount Dora, Tavares, Unincorporated Lake / By / June 2, 2026

Groveland man accused of killing wife in hammer attack

GROVELAND, Fla. — A well-being check on an elderly Groveland couple turned into a murder investigation Sunday night when officers discovered a man had allegedly killed his wife in a hammer attack, according to an arrest affidavit. Around 9 p.m., officers with the Groveland Police Department responded to 304 Way Point Drive to check on Vincent Di Fraia, 82, and his 84-year-old wife after a concerned woman reported she had not heard from them since April 14. The woman, whose relationship to the couple was not confirmed by police, cited their age and ongoing health issues as reasons for concern,

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Groveland, Inside Scoop / By / April 22, 2026

Murder suspect captured in Leesburg, police say

LEESBURG, Fla. — A man wanted for murder in a fatal shooting Friday morning has been taken into custody, according to Leesburg Police Department. Matthew Pasco, 43, was apprehended Sunday on North Citrus Boulevard by LPD Officer Kira Smith, the department said in a social media post. Lake County Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Jim Vachon confirmed Pasco was in custody in an email. Pasco was wanted for first-degree murder after deputies said he attempted to shoot a dog attacking a woman and instead shot the dog’s owner in the area of 1904 Griffin Road near a homeless encampment Friday. The man

Murder suspect captured in Leesburg, police say Read More »

Inside Scoop, Leesburg, Unincorporated Lake / By / April 19, 2026

Man wanted for murder in Leesburg shooting remains on the run

LEESBURG, Fla. — A warrant has been issued for the arrest of a man deputies say fatally shot a dog owner Friday. Matthew Pasco, 43, is considered “armed and dangerous,” Lake County Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Jim Vachon said. Witnesses told deputies a woman was being attacked by a large dog in the area of 1904 Griffin Road near a homeless encampment when Pasco attempted to shoot the dog Friday morning, LCSO Public Information Officer Deputy Stephanie Earley told Inside Lake. The dog’s owner was shot. He was airlifted to an area hospital, where he was pronounced dead. His identity has

Man wanted for murder in Leesburg shooting remains on the run Read More »

Inside Scoop, Leesburg, Unincorporated Lake / By / April 18, 2026

Veteran reporter revisits Eustis killing that exposed alleged family cult in new book 

EUSTIS, Fla. — “I accidentally killed someone. Please.” That’s how a 911 call began in a case that would unravel into allegations of control, isolation and abuse within a family investigators later described as cult-like. “My stepmom… My dad is going to kill me,” the caller told the operator, identifying himself as Ian Anselmo. “I guess I strangled her. I don’t remember doing it. I remember the argument.” The victim, 39-year-old Sue-Ellen Anselmo, who was pregnant at the time, was found in a Eustis cemetery. As the investigation progressed, authorities uncovered allegations of physical, emotional and sexual abuse, along with the

Veteran reporter revisits Eustis killing that exposed alleged family cult in new book  Read More »

Eustis, Features, Inside Scoop / By / April 6, 2026

Five years after Melissa Nease’s murder, her family is still waiting for justice

TAVARES, Fla. — Five years ago, Feb. 28, 2021, was just another Sunday as Amy Harris went about her day — until a phone call changed everything. On the other end was her sister Melissa Nease’s best friend, Abby Henderson, telling her something had happened. Harris couldn’t get answers, so she started driving. She knew it was bad, but she didn’t know she was driving toward something she would spend the next five years trying to understand. As she pulled up to her sister’s home in Ocklawaha on that warm February afternoon, she saw the blue lights. The law enforcement

Five years after Melissa Nease’s murder, her family is still waiting for justice Read More »

Inside Scoop, Tavares / By / February 28, 2026

Trial set to begin in ’24 murder of Leesburg store owner

TAVARES, Fla.—The trial of the man accused of killing a Leesburg store owner is scheduled to begin this week, according to court records. Alex Lopez, 26, is accused of gunning down Raied “Ray” Shihadeh, 51, during a robbery at Fast Stop Superette, 3702 Picciola Road, on May 30, 2024 and fleeing the scene. Shihadeh was airlifted to HCA Florida Ocala Hospital, where he died from his injuries. Lopez, of Wildwood, was on the run for nearly a month after the murder, before being captured at a Kissimmee motel by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) Violent Crimes Task Force.

Trial set to begin in ’24 murder of Leesburg store owner Read More »

Inside Scoop, Leesburg / By / December 15, 2025

Deputies: Brother-in-law accused of killing Eustis woman, held on federal immigration warrant

TAVARES, Fla.—An arrest warrant has been obtained for the brother-in-law of a Eustis woman found murdered in May. Monica Islam, 44, was found shot to death near Scenic Hills Drive and Wolf Branch Road outside of Mount Dora around 7:30 a.m. May 2 after vanishing from Shell, 1701 South Bay Street, Eustis around 6 a.m. the same morning. According to the missing person report obtained by Inside Lake, Islam’s daughter, Rimi Islam, reported her mother missing around 8:30 a.m. May 2. She told Eustis Police Department they left their home around 5:30 a.m. and arrived at Shell shortly after. She

Deputies: Brother-in-law accused of killing Eustis woman, held on federal immigration warrant Read More »

Eustis, Inside Scoop, Mount Dora, Tavares, Unincorporated Lake / By / September 2, 2025

Leesburg shooting victim identified, suspect facing murder charges

LEESBURG, Fla.—Leesburg Police Department has identified the man shot and killed Friday night. Around 7 p.m., Dontae D. Copeland, 20, of Leesburg was found suffering from at least one gunshot wound in the 1000 block of Tuskegee Street, LPD Lt. Shannon Walsh said. Officers and EMS personnel rendered aid to Copeland, and he was transported to UF Health Leesburg Hospital, where he was pronounced deceased. While investigating the murder Friday, Kameryn Pickard, 18, of Mount Dora, turned himself in with his father at LPD, Walsh said. He was later arrested for premeditated murder and conspiracy – solicit, and is being

Leesburg shooting victim identified, suspect facing murder charges Read More »

Inside Scoop, Leesburg, Mount Dora / By / June 28, 2025

Candlelight vigil scheduled for Eustis mom found murdered last week

EUSTIS, Fla.—The community is scheduled to come together Friday night to remember Monica Islam, the woman who was found murdered near Mount Dora last week. Islam, 44, was found shot to death near Scenic Hills Drive and Wolf Branch around 7:30 a.m. May 2 after vanishing from Shell, 1701 South Bay Street, Eustis approximately 6:10 a.m. the same morning. According to the missing person report obtained by Inside Lake, Islam’s daughter, Rimi Islam, reported her mother missing around 8:30 a.m. Friday. She told Eustis Police Department they left their home around 5:30 a.m. and arrived at Shell shortly after. She

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Eustis, Inside Scoop, Mount Dora, Unincorporated Lake / By / May 9, 2025

Woman found dead near Mount Dora is a homicide victim, deputies say

MOUNT DORA, Fla.—The woman found dead Friday was shot to death and detectives believe it was not a “random act,” according to the Lake County Sheriff’s Office. Lake County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to the area of Scenic Hills Drive and Wolf Branch Road Friday morning after someone reported they found a woman’s body. Deputies responded and found the woman, later identified as Monica Islam, 44, who was reported missing from Eustis, Eustis Police Department Chief Craig Capri told Inside Lake Friday. According to the missing person report obtained by Inside Lake, Islam’s daughter, Rimi Islam, reported her mother missing

Woman found dead near Mount Dora is a homicide victim, deputies say Read More »

Eustis, Inside Scoop, Mount Dora, Unincorporated Lake / By / May 6, 2025

LCSO deputy shot in rescue attempt of murdered deputy returns to light duty

TAVARES, Fla.—Lake County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Stefano Gargano returned to temporary light duty Monday, a little more than nine months after he was shot multiple times. On Aug. 2, 2024, Gargano was shot, suffering traumatic injuries, during a rescue attempt of Master Deputy Bradley Link. Link and K9 Master Deputy Harold Howell, along with several other deputies, were performing a well-being check at the home Julie and Michael Sulpizio shared with their adult daughters, Savannah and Cheyenne Sulpizio, located 38144 Brookside Drive in unincorporated Eustis, following a Baker Act of Julie Sulpizio. After finding two dead dogs in the yard,

LCSO deputy shot in rescue attempt of murdered deputy returns to light duty Read More »

Eustis, Inside Scoop, Tavares, Unincorporated Lake / By / May 5, 2025

Hundreds flood downtown Tavares to celebrate Xavier Saturday night

TAVARES, Fla.—Hundreds of people flooded downtown Tavares Saturday night to join Xavier Williams’ family to celebrate his life at a candlelight vigil held in his honor. Xavier died March 21 after fighting for his life for nearly a month before succumbing to injuries police say his mother and her boyfriend inflicted on him. Lake County Sheriff’s Office Chaplain Joshua Douglas opened the vigil and shared a few stories about Xavier and the boy he was. A natural talent for understanding electronics, Douglas told attendees about a broken iPad that stumped both Apple and Verizon, but Xavier saved the day and

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Inside Scoop, Tavares / By / March 29, 2025

Turn Tavares blue for Xavier: Candlelight vigil scheduled for 7 p.m.

TAVARES, Fla.— The family of Xavier Williams and community members are scheduled to gather tonight to honor and celebrate the life of Xavier, the boy police say was savagely abused and murdered by his mother and her boyfriend. A candlelight vigil is scheduled for 7 p.m. at Wooton Park in downtown Tavares and attendees are encouraged to wear blue – Xavier’s favorite color. Parking is available at the Parking Garage, 200 North Sinclair Avenue. “Xavier’s family warmly invites everyone in our community to join them in this moment of remembrance and gratitude for your overwhelming support during this time,” Tavares

Turn Tavares blue for Xavier: Candlelight vigil scheduled for 7 p.m. Read More »

Inside Scoop, Tavares / By / March 29, 2025

Mom and boyfriend now facing murder charges in death of boy, 10

TAVARES, Fla.—The couple accused of abusing and torturing a Tavares boy to death is now facing additional charges, principal to second-degree murder and two counts of principal to aggravated child abuse, the Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney’s Office said Monday. While law enforcement and prosecutors continued to work toward securing justice for Xavier Williams and his little brother Monday, his friends and classmates expressed their feelings with a message.   Xavier, 10, died Friday from injuries he suffered at the hands of his mother, Kimberley Mills, 37, and her boyfriend, Andre Walker, 36, according to Tavares Police Department. The couple

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Inside Scoop, Tavares / By / March 24, 2025

Additional arrest made in 2024 Leesburg murder

LEESBURG, Fla.—Leesburg Police Department has made another arrest in the murder of a 20-year-old man last year. Neville G. Muirhead, 22, was arrested on Jacaranda Drive in Lady Lake by Leesburg Police Department with the assistance of Lady Lake Police Department and Mid Florida SWAT around 2 p.m. Tuesday, LPD Lt. Shannon Walsh said. “Detectives from the Leesburg Police Department have been diligently investigating this case, focusing on locating additional evidence and collaborating with the State Attorney’s Office,” Walsh said in an email. “Our detective division will continue to investigate this case and encourages the public to come forward with

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Inside Scoop, Leesburg / By / March 19, 2025

Suspected Sorrento murderer in custody

SORRENTO, Fla.—The man accused of killing a man in Sorrento Thursday, is in custody according to the Lake County Sheriff’s Office. “… Justin Fout has been located and taken into custody by law enforcement. As the situation is still under investigation, additional details are not yet available,” LCSO Cpl. Chanel Martin said late Friday afternoon.  Deputies were also attempting to locate Patricia Neeley, as person of interest in the murder of Justin Kates, 37. LCSO has not released any new information on her whereabouts. Fout is suspected of murdering Kates during an altercation Thursday at 31504 Colby Place in Sorrento.

Suspected Sorrento murderer in custody Read More »

Inside Scoop, Unincorporated Lake / By / February 21, 2025

Deputies searching for Sorrento murder suspect

SORRENTO, Fla.—A man is on the run, accused of killing a man in Sorrento Thursday, according to the Lake County Sheriff’s Office. Witnesses said Justin Kates, 37, and Justin Joseph Raymond Fout, 31, engaged in a verbal argument Thursday at 31504 Colby Place in Sorrento. The argument apparently escalated and Fout shot Kates, killing him, LCSO said. He was found dead lying in the roadway when deputies arrived on scene. Fout fled the scene, along with Patricia Neeley, in an older model white Dodge Ram van. The van should have front and rear end damage and red transfer paint on

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Inside Scoop, Unincorporated Lake / By / February 21, 2025

Summerfield man facing murder charges in deaths of victim and alleged accomplice in 2022 gunfight outside Leesburg

LEESBURG, Fla.—A man on the run for nearly a year is in custody facing murder charges in the deaths of his intended home invasion victim – and his alleged accomplice. Dieuseul Charlemon, 22, was taken into custody on multiple warrants including first- and second-degree murder on Jan. 31 by the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, Ocala Police Department and US Marshals at 10131 SE 169th Lane, Summerfield after a months-long investigation, MCSO said. On Feb. 16, 2022, the Lake County Sheriff’s Office responded to 804 Montclair Road in unincorporated Leesburg on a report of a shooting around 4:30 a.m. There were

Summerfield man facing murder charges in deaths of victim and alleged accomplice in 2022 gunfight outside Leesburg Read More »

Inside Scoop, Leesburg, Unincorporated Lake / By / February 12, 2025

CAPTURED: NY double murder suspect spotted near Lake County taken into custody in Daytona Beach

2 p.m. Update: Scott Mitchell has been taken into custody in Daytona Beach. DeLAND, Fla.—A man suspected of killing two men in New York was spotted in DeLand Tuesday, just a few miles outside of Lake County, according to the Volusia Sheriff’s Office and authorities are offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to his arrest. Scott C. Mitchell is wanted for the murders of Daniel McCloe, 58, and Marshall VanOven 55, after they were found dead in a Binghampton, New York home earlier this month. Binghampton is located about 180 miles northwest of New York City. Mitchell is believed

CAPTURED: NY double murder suspect spotted near Lake County taken into custody in Daytona Beach Read More »

Inside Scoop, Unincorporated Lake / By / February 12, 2025

Names and body cam released in deadly Clermont domestic incident

CLERMONT, Fla.—Clermont Police Department has released the names of the couple found dead after a domestic incident Wednesday. Christian Steeler Filson, 28, and Sarah Dale, 29, were found dead after an unidentified caller reported Dale was screaming and being chased by a man at Cottonwood Clermont, 1200 Hooks Street, shortly before 3:30 p.m. Wednesday. When officers arrived, they began searching for the victim and spotted blood near an apartment in building 12. Officers entered apartment 12202, and found Dale, with a mortal gunshot wound. “When our officers arrived, they immediately observed what appeared to be blood and a spent bullet

Names and body cam released in deadly Clermont domestic incident Read More »

Clermont, Inside Scoop / By / February 6, 2025

Orlando man convicted of Umatilla murder, sentenced to life in prison

TAVARES, Fla.—One of the men accused of murdering a Umatilla man in 2022 will spend the rest of his life in prison, according to Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney Bill Gladson’s Office. “The actions of this defendant were calculated, deliberate, and devoid of remorse,” said Walter Forgie, Chief Assistant State Attorney. “Justice demands accountability for such actions.” Undray Benson, 53, of Orlando was found guilty in the first-degree murder of Antwain “Lil Daddy” Hart, 31, Thursday following a bench trial, and he was sentenced to life in prison by Judge James Baxley. Only Inside Lake was on the scene Nov.

Orlando man convicted of Umatilla murder, sentenced to life in prison Read More »

Eustis, Inside Scoop, Tavares, Umatilla / By / January 24, 2025

Accused Montverde child murderer appears in court Thursday

TAVARES, Fla.—The woman accused of brutally torturing and murdering her boyfriend’s daughter appeared in court Thursday. Only Inside Lake was in the courtroom as Circuit Judge Heidi Davis questioned Tyshael Martin, 35, about retaining an attorney. Martin, who still does not have an attorney of record, more than two months after her arrest, told Davis she has retained Sean Landers, but he has not filed a notice of appearance yet due to him being out of town. Assistant State Attorney Thomas Wieczorek asked the court to keep Martin’s case on the docket for November for both a pre-trial conference to

Accused Montverde child murderer appears in court Thursday Read More »

Inside Scoop, Montverde, Tavares / By / November 1, 2024

State to seek death penalty for accused Montverde child killer

TAVARES, Fla.— The woman charged with the horrific murder of her boyfriend’s daughter earlier this year is now facing the death penalty. Assistant State Attorney Thomas Wieczorek filed a notice of intent to seek the death penalty Oct. 8 in the case against Tyshael Martin, of Montverde, and stated five aggravating factors in the case. The capital felony was committed while the defendant was engaged, or was an accomplice, in the commission of, or an attempt to commit aggravated child abuse. The capital felony was especially heinous, atrocious, or cruel. The capital felony was a homicide and was committed in

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Inside Scoop, Montverde / By / October 25, 2024

Leesburg shooting victim, 87, dies, 2 arrested for murder

LEESBURG, Fla.—The 87-year-old victim of a shooting in late September has died and two Leesburg men have been arrested for his murder, according to Leesburg Police Department. Clarence Ervin, 87, of Leesburg was shot shortly before 2:45 p.m. Sept. 28, at 2101 West Main Street, as he sat in a car at a gas pump, video released by LPD showed. Ervin was transported to an area hospital and later died from his injuries on Oct. 6, LPD Lt. Shannon Walsh said. On Friday, Kenneth D. Bailey, 22, and Craig A. Stevenson Jr., 22, were arrested on charges of capital murder and

Leesburg shooting victim, 87, dies, 2 arrested for murder Read More »

Inside Scoop, Leesburg / By / October 14, 2024

State to seek death penalty in August ambush attack on deputies

TAVARES, Fla.—The woman accused of helping mastermind an ambush attack on Lake County Sheriff’s Office deputies may pay for her alleged crimes with her life. Fifth Judicial Circuit Assistant State Attorney Kenneth Nunnelley filed a notice of intent to seek the death penalty late Tuesday afternoon in the case against Julie Sulpizio. Sulpizio, 48, is accused of starting an altercation with her neighbors on Brookside Drive in unincorporated Eustis on Aug. 2. LCSO responded to the altercation and during a well-being check at her home, just down the street from the original call, Master Deputy Bradley Link was shot and

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Eustis, Inside Scoop, Tavares, Unincorporated Lake / By / April 16, 2025

Dad and girlfriend indicted in death of 9-year-old Montverde girl

TAVARES, Fla.—The father of 9-year-old Jamaria Sessions, and his girlfriend, have been indicted for Jamaria’s brutal murder. Lojuan Sessions, 26, and Tyshael Martin, 34, are both being held in the Lake County Jail on no bond, accused of ongoing abuse that led to the death of Jamaria, who would have been in fourth grade this school year. Martin pleaded not guilty to her crimes Monday morning and was ordered not to have contact with Jamaria’s next of kin, Althea Chenault. Chenault, known as, “Nana” to Jamaria, is Jamaria’s maternal grandmother. Chenault had custody of Jamaria and her little sister Jaliah,

Dad and girlfriend indicted in death of 9-year-old Montverde girl Read More »

Inside Scoop, Montverde / By / October 25, 2024

Leesburg police make arrest in July murder

LEESBURG, Fla.—Leesburg Police Department has made an arrest in the murder of a 20-year-old man in July. Ondrique D. Mosely, 18, of Lady Lake was arrested Friday without incident in Lady Lake for principal to homicide- premediated, LPD Sgt. Shannon Walsh said. He is being held on no bond. James Jordan was found lying in the yard of a home in the 2200 block of Aitken Loop in Overlook at Lake Griffin around 2:30 p.m. July 8 suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. He was transported to UF Health Leesburg, where he died from his injuries, Walsh said in July. LPD

Leesburg police make arrest in July murder Read More »

Inside Scoop, Leesburg / By / September 4, 2024

Father arrested in 9-year-old daughter’s death, joked about abuse and “bootcamp” with girlfriend

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla.—A father has now been arrested for failing to protect his young daughter from his girlfriend who is accused of murdering her in the Montverde home they all shared. Lojuan Sessions, 26, was arrested in Orange County Friday on a charge of aggravated manslaughter of a child and a violation of probation and is being held on no bond. “Lojuan Sessions, by and through both statements and digital forensics of cellular phones collected during this investigation did encourage, suggest, plan, permit and assist Tyshael Martin in the implementation and execution of various ‘disciplinary’ processes to include rigorous physical

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Eustis, Inside Scoop, Montverde / By / August 30, 2024

Videos showed girl, 9, was attacked by large rottweiler, and savagely beaten, kicked and dragged by father’s girlfriend who bragged about the “creative ways” she punished her

MONTVERDE, Fla.—Horrifying details have been released in the murder 9-year-old Jamaria Sessions. According to a probable cause affidavit, Tyshael Martin, the girlfriend of Jamaria’s father Lojuan Sessions, ordered a 103-pound rottweiler to attack the girl, and savagely dragged and kicked her-and it was all caught on video. Shortly before 5 a.m. June 17, Lake EMS responded to 16017 Harbar Oaks Drive, Montverde on a report of an unresponsive child. She was pronounced deceased by Lake EMS. Martin told EMS she woke up that morning to catch a flight to California with Jamaria and several other children to meet up with

Videos showed girl, 9, was attacked by large rottweiler, and savagely beaten, kicked and dragged by father’s girlfriend who bragged about the “creative ways” she punished her Read More »

Inside Scoop, Montverde / By / August 29, 2024

Mom and sister of accused Leesburg murderer arrested, girlfriend wanted by police

LEESBURG, Fla.—The mother and sister of accused murderer Alex Lopez were arrested Thursday for their role in helping Lopez elude capture, and Lopez’ girlfriend is on the run. Patricia Kinchens, 42, and Breanna Lopez, 27, were taken into custody by Leesburg Police Department, with assistance from Lady Lake Police Department and Wildwood Police Department, LPD Sgt. Shannon Walsh said. Lopez’ girlfriend Kaili E. Dupuis, 25, remains wanted. Alex Lopez, 25, is facing charges of premeditated murder, armed robbery and two other weapons offenses; he is accused of gunning down father of five, Raied “Ray” Shihadeh, 51, at Fast Stop Superette,

Mom and sister of accused Leesburg murderer arrested, girlfriend wanted by police Read More »

Inside Scoop, Lady Lake, Leesburg / By / August 22, 2024

Vehicle believed to be involved in Leesburg murder found, detectives actively working the case

LEESBURG, Fla.—Leesburg Police Department has located a vehicle believed to be involved in the murder of a 20-year-old man Monday. James Jordan was found lying in the yard of a home in the 2200 block of Aitken Loop in Overlook at Lake Griffin around 2:30 p.m. Monday suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. He was transported to UF Health Leesburg, where he died from his injuries, LPD Sgt. Shannon Walsh said. LPD located and seized the vehicle believed to be involved, and executed search warrants on the vehicle and the location it was recovered from, Walsh said. LPD has not released

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Inside Scoop, Leesburg / By / July 12, 2024

Accused murderer back in Lake County

TAVARES, Fla.—The man police believe is responsible for the murder of a Leesburg store owner was booked into the Lake County Jail Friday morning. Alex Lopez, 25, is facing charges of premeditated murder, armed robbery and two other weapons offenses, and is being held on no bond. Lopez was on the run for nearly a month, while Leesburg Police Department worked with state, federal and local agencies to track him down and finally located him at a motel in Kissimmee around 7 p.m. Wednesday, Leesburg Police Department Sgt. Shannon Walsh said. He was taken into custody by the FDLE/Orlando –

Accused murderer back in Lake County Read More »

Eustis, Inside Scoop, Leesburg, Unincorporated Lake / By / June 28, 2024

Trial set to begin in ‘24 murder of Leesburg store owner

TAVARES, Fla.—The trial of the man accused of killing a Leesburg store owner is scheduled to begin this week, according to court records. Alex Lopez, 26, is accused of gunning down Raied Shihadeh, 51, during a robbery at Fast Stop Superette, 3702 Picciola Road, on May 30, 2024 and fleeing the scene. Shihadeh was airlifted to HCA Florida Ocala Hospital, where he died from his injuries. Lopez, of Wildwood, was on the run for nearly a month after the murder, before being captured at a Kissimmee motel by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) Violent Crimes Task Force. Lopez

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Inside Scoop, Leesburg / By / December 15, 2025

Lady Lake police asking for tips to crack the case that left a young man dead last year

LADY LAKE, Fla.—It’s been nearly a year since 20-year-old Bryson Leverette was gunned down by a group of armed suspects in the Skyline Hills area of Lady Lake and Lady Lake Police Department has a new, seasoned detective on the case. Leverette and another victim were leaving a home at 104 Caroline Avenue around 12:45 a.m. June 30, 2023, when they were approached by the group, armed with several firearms, Town of Lady Lake Spokesperson Elisha Pappacoda said in a press release. LLPD responded to the home after a report of gunshots and found Leverette deceased, and a second person

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Inside Scoop, Lady Lake / By / June 4, 2024

Leesburg police identify murder suspect, need public’s help finding him

LEESBURG, Fla.—Leesburg Police Department has identified the man they believe is responsible for a murder and armed robbery Thursday night. A warrant has been issued for Alex Lopez, 25, of Wildwood for premeditated murder, armed robbery, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and using a firearm during a felony. Shortly after 9 p.m. Thursday, a man believed to be Lopez, entered Fast Stop Superette, 3702 Picciola Road, and shot Raied Shihadeh, 51. He was airlifted to HCA Florida Ocala Hospital, where he died from his injuries, LPD Sgt. Shannon Walsh said. The suspect, now identified as Lopez, fled

Leesburg police identify murder suspect, need public’s help finding him Read More »

Inside Scoop, Leesburg / By / June 3, 2024

Leesburg police release new photos of murder suspect in quest to identify him

LEESBURG, Fla.—Leesburg Police Department has released enhanced photos of the suspect who killed a store owner during a robbery Thursday night. Shortly after 9 p.m. Thursday, the male suspect entered Fast Stop Superette, 3702 Picciola Road, and shot Raied Shihadeh, 51. He was airlifted to HCA Florida Ocala Hospital, where he died from his injuries, LPD Sgt. Shannon Walsh said. The suspect fled the scene and despite an extensive search by K9 units and the Lake County Sheriff’s Office aviation unit, they were unable to apprehend him, Walsh said. LPD quickly released a still photo and video following the senseless

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Inside Scoop, Leesburg / By / June 1, 2024

Clermont woman who was “acting strange and talking about having premonitions” arrested for killing husband

CLERMONT, Fla.—A woman is facing a first-degree murder charge after shooting and killing her husband late Sunday night, according to an arrest affidavit. The Lake County Sheriff’s Office responded to 10649 Lake Ralph Drive in unincorporated Clermont just before 10:10 p.m. on a report of a homicide and when they arrived, the complainant whose name is redacted from the affidavit, escorted a deputy into the home where Maria Jose Rodriguez, 40, was sitting in the dining room. She was secured in handcuffs and placed in a patrol vehicle and deputies then found her husband, Andrew Rodriguez, 40, lying on his

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Clermont, Inside Scoop, Unincorporated Lake / By / March 18, 2024

Accused Leesburg Killer Surrenders

LEESBURG, Fla.—The teenager accused of killing a Leesburg man Wednesday has surrendered and is in the Lake County Jail, according to a Leesburg Police Department social media post. Kevin Harrison, 19, is accused of shooting Lekendre Hall, 37, at a home at 1906 West Main Street around 8:45 p.m. Wednesday. LPD responded to the scene and found Hall lying on the ground suffering from at least one gunshot wound; he was transported to UF Health Leesburg, where he was pronounced deceased from his injuries, Capt. Joe Iozzi said Thursday. Crime scene investigators and detectives responded to the scene and Harrison

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Inside Scoop, Leesburg / By / December 29, 2023

Leesburg Police Searching for Accused Killer

LEESBURG, Fla.—Leesburg Police Department is searching for a man they say shot and killed another man on Main Street Wednesday night. LPD responded to 1906 West Main Steet around 8:45 p.m. and found Lekendre Hall, 37, lying on the ground suffering from at least one gunshot wound. He was transported to UF Health Leesburg where he pronounced deceased, according to Capt. Joe Iozzi. “Leesburg officers secured the crime scene and detectives were then summoned along with Leesburg CSI,” Iozzi said, and after interviewing multiple witnesses, Kevin Harrison, 19, was identified as the shooter. Harrison has not been apprehended and LPD

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Inside Scoop, Leesburg / By / December 28, 2023

Man Pleads Guilty to 2022 Murder of Leesburg Girlfriend

TAVARES, Fla.—In an unexpected twist Monday, a Leesburg man accused of gunning down his girlfriend last year pleaded guilty to first-degree murder and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon the same day jury selection for his trial was set to begin. Alphonza Bryant, 41, was sentenced to 45 years in prison for killing Melissa Keonna Smith, 37, in the laundry room of her Leesburg home on Aug. 8, 2022. Bryant was captured on video approaching Smith’s home, brandishing a firearm, and “engaging in a verbal altercation off-camera that culminated in a single gunshot,” Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney

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Inside Scoop, Leesburg, Tavares / By / November 14, 2023

Virginia Murder Suspect Arrested in Lady Lake

LADY LAKE, Fla.—A Pennsylvania man wanted for murder in Virginia was arrested by Lady Lake Police Department early Wednesday morning. Maurice T. Massey, 29, was pulled over for traveling 51 miles per hour in a 40 miles-per-hour zone on U.S. Highway 27/441 near Griffin View Drive at 4:30 a.m. Wednesday, according to Lady Lake Communications Director Elisha Pappacoda. LLPD Cpl. Heather Couch conducted the traffic stop and after a routine driver license check, Massey was found to have a warrant for second-degree murder out of Virginia, Pappacoda said. Massey, of Tamaqua, Pennsylvania, was driving a white Hyundai Sonata with a

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Inside Scoop, Lady Lake / By / September 27, 2023

Eustis Man Convicted in Orange County ’96 Cold Case Murder Solved Using Genetic Genealogy

Editor’s note: The following story contains crime scene photos some may consider graphic. Viewer discretion is advised.  ORANGE COUNTY, Fla.—A Eustis man will spend the rest of his life behind bars after being convicted earlier this month in the brutal cold case murder of a gas station manager in 1996. Terence “Terry” Paquette was 31 years old when he was stabbed 73 times and found dead in the bathroom of Lil’ Champ, 4510 Clarcona Ocoee Road, Orlando in northwest Orange County on Feb. 3, 1996. The store is now a Kwik Stop. “It was a horrific crime scene with blood

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Eustis, Inside Scoop / By / August 27, 2023

Man Arrested for Murder Last Week by Eustis Police Stabbed by Inmate also Being Held for Murder

TAVARES, Florida—Austin Hill, the man arrested last week in the murder of Wseni “Haitian Black” Laguerre, was stabbed multiple times by another inmate at the Lake County Jail Sunday; and the man accused of stabbing him is well-known to Lake County law enforcement. Around 8:30 p.m. Sunday, a Lake County Sheriff’s Office detective responded to the jail after detention staff reported an inmate had been stabbed. Hill, 26, was stabbed multiple times in the back, neck and face and video surveillance clearly showed his attacker was Dustin “Chico” Perdue, 27, according to an arrest affidavit. Only Inside Lake extensively covered

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Clermont, Eustis, Inside Scoop, Mount Dora, Tavares / By / August 2, 2023

Arrest Made in Eustis January Murder

EUSTIS, Florida—An arrest has been made in the January murder of a Eustis man, Eustis Police Chief Craig Capri announced Thursday morning. Austin Lashay Hill, 26, of Tangerine was taken into custody at the Lake County/Orange County line Tuesday on a warrant for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, improper exhibition of a firearm and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Those crimes were also committed in Eustis. On Wednesday, several more charges were added to Hill, including premeditated murder, discharging a firearm in public and an additional charge of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

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Eustis, Inside Scoop / By / July 27, 2023

Long Arm of the Law Catches Up with Umatilla Murder Suspect

UMATILLA, Florida—The third man suspected in the 2022 murder of a Umatilla man has been apprehended in Georgia, according to the Lake County Sheriff’s Office. Marvin Habakkuk Ellison, Jr., 40, of Orlando, was taken into custody at an apartment complex in in DeKalb County, Georgia on Friday morning and a search warrant was executed where he was staying, LCSO said. A warrant was issued for Ellison’s arrest earlier this year and he was located by LCSO detectives, investigators from the Orlando Police Department and U.S. Marshals; he may be involved with other cases, according to LCSO.   Ellison and two

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Eustis, Inside Scoop, Umatilla, Unincorporated Lake / By / July 10, 2023

Armed Robbery Suspect and Nephew Charged in 2022 Tavares Murder

TAVARES, Florida—Last August, only Inside Lake uncovered a man accused of multiple armed robberies across Lake County was suspected in the murder of Alejandro “Alex” Garcia. On Thursday, Dustin “Chico” Perdue was charged with his murder; and on Monday night his nephew, Octavious Marquis Reed was nabbed by U.S. Marshals and the Lake County Sheriff’s Office Street Crimes Unit, Tavares Police Detective Courtney Sullivan told Inside Lake. Perdue, 27, and Reed, 23, are accused of shooting Garcia, 29, and Darnell Lester, 31, April 8, 2022 at Caroline Court Apartments, 1000 East Caroline Street in Tavares. Garcia, of Mount Dora, succumbed

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Clermont, Inside Scoop, Mount Dora, Tavares, Unincorporated Lake / By / February 27, 2023

Man Murdered During Confrontation Identified, Eustis Police Announce $10K Reward

EUSTIS, Florida—The man shot in Eustis Monday night has been identified. Wseni “Haitian Black” Laguerre, 39 was shot multiple times around 8:20 p.m. Monday following a confrontation with an unknown individual, Eustis Police Department Chief Craig Capri said. EPD responded to the shooting at 202 Palm Ave near Grove Street and found Laguerre with multiple gunshot wounds. Witnesses told police an individual had some sort of confrontation with Laguerre and then shot him multiple times and fled the scene. Detectives are currently interviewing witnesses and following up on leads, Capri said. Laguerre was transported to AdventHealth Waterman in Tavares, causing

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Eustis, Inside Scoop / By / January 31, 2023

Man Dies After Being Shot in Eustis Monday Night

EUSTIS, Florida—The man shot in Eustis Monday night has died. Eustis Police Department responded to a shooting on Palm Ave near Grove Street, just before 8:30 p.m. Monday, EPD Police Chief Craig Capri told Inside Lake. The man was rushed to AdventHealth Waterman in Tavares, causing the hospital to be placed on lockdown, standard procedure when a victim of violence is brought in for treatment. He was pronounced dead a short time later, according to Capri. His name has not been publicly released. It appears the man was targeted, and there was no information available on a suspect at press

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Eustis, Inside Scoop / By / January 31, 2023

Person of Interest in Mount Dora Double Slayings Booked Into Lake County Jail

TAVARES, Florida—Vickie Lynn Williams, the person of interest in the murders of an elderly Mount Dora couple is back in Florida and being held in the Lake County Jail. Williams, 50, was apprehended Monday in Savannah, Georgia driving the couple’s stolen Kia Soul, Mount Dora Police Chief Michael Gibson said earlier this week. She was extradited back to Lake County Friday afternoon, according to Lake County Sheriff’s Office Lt. Fred Jones. Her first appearance is scheduled for 9 a.m. Saturday, Jones said. Darryl, 83, and Sharon Getman, 80 were found murdered in their duplex home at 161 Lake Margaret Circle

Person of Interest in Mount Dora Double Slayings Booked Into Lake County Jail Read More »

Inside Scoop, Mount Dora, Tavares / By / January 6, 2023

BREAKING NEWS: Former Employee of Georgia Senior Living Community Person of Interest in Mount Dora Slayings

SAVANNAH, Georgia—The person of interest in the murders of a Mount Dora couple has been identified. Vickie Lynn Williams, 50, of Savannah, Georgia was arrested just before 11:45 a.m. Monday driving the Kia Soul, owned by Darryl, 83, and Sharon Getman, 80. The couple was found murdered in their duplex home at 161 Lake Margaret Circle Saturday after Waterman Village security personnel called 9-1-1 to report a “suspicious incident,” Mount Dora Police Chief Michael Gibson said earlier this week. MDPD discovered the bodies and launched an investigation, and an alert was issued for the vehicle. Sources told Inside Lake the

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Inside Scoop, Mount Dora / By / January 4, 2023

Children of Murdered Elderly Mount Dora Couple “Stunned, Devastated and Heart-Broken”

MOUNT DORA, Florida—The son and daughter of the couple found murdered New Year’s Eve have released a statement on the murders of their parents.  Darryl Getman, 83, and his wife, Sharon Getman, 80, were found murdered in their duplex home at 161 Lake Margaret Circle after Waterman Village security personnel called 9-1-1 to report a “suspicious incident,” Mount Dora Police Chief Gibson said earlier this week. MDPD discovered the bodies and launched an investigation and Gibson asked the Lake County Sheriff’s Office and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement for their assistance with the crime scene and forensics. Their son,

Children of Murdered Elderly Mount Dora Couple “Stunned, Devastated and Heart-Broken” Read More »

Inside Scoop, Mount Dora / By / January 4, 2023

Man Wanted For Leesburg Murder Arrested Thursday

LEESBURG, Florida—A man wanted for the murder of his acquaintance was found with methamphetamine and resisted Lake County Sheriff’s deputies when they tried to arrest him Thursday, according to an arrest affidavit. Carl Edward “Scotty” Scott Jr., 50, is accused of stabbing a man in the chest during an argument on June 6 on Myer Avenue in Leesburg. The victim told an LCSO detective “Scotty” engaged him in an argument, and he pushed “Scotty” away; he came at the victim again and he punched “Scotty,” who then stabbed him with a sharp object, possibly an ice pick or screwdriver and

Man Wanted For Leesburg Murder Arrested Thursday Read More »

Leesburg / By / November 5, 2021
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