Contact her with breaking news, tips, and feedback by sending an e-mail to352Tips@gmail.com. He wrote in the affidavit of probable cause that LAKE COUNTY, Fla. Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty against the woman accused of killing a Mount Dora couple at their apartment in December. 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. On Saturday, officers responded to a report of MOUNT DORA With the departure of Mount Dora City manager Robin Hayes, the city's search for a new police chief has been put on hold. VIDEO: Mount Dora police officer accused lieutenant of sexual harassment, investigation shows Mount Dora police officer accused lieutenant of sexual harassment, investigation shows. After her arrest in Georgia and subsequent extradition to Lake County, the person of interest in the slaying of a Mount Dora couple last weekend now faces first-degree murder charges. Williams is currently being held on no bond at the Lake County jail. 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. On Oct. 17, 2019, she was thereby constructively discharged, the suit states. [PHOTO CREDIT: Facebook /Mount Dora Police]. 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. This station is part of Cox Media Group Television. Mount Dora police investigate suspicious death of couple at senior living community. Howell-Gonzalez is represented by Christopher Pace of Jill S. Schwartz & Associates in Winter Park. If you have any information, call the Mount Dora Police Department Criminal Investigations Unit at (352) 735-7130. 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. (Karla Ray, WFTV.com). MOUNT DORA Residents woke up in Mount Dora Thursday morning with a new police chief overseeing the officers patrolling their streets. The current deputy chief, Mike Gibson, will serve as the interim chief until a new chief is found, the release said. Vickie Tuesday marks one year since the shooting that killed the couple who owned T&N Market in Mount Dora. 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. This is an ongoing investigation. In July 2019, Howell-Gonzalez took FMLA due to work stress; upon her return she was to switch to night shift, limiting her interactions with Severance and Bell. Neighbors said they are very concerned for their safety, but police will be keeping a watchful eye on the community for the time being. Police have not released the cause of death. (Andrews represented Fewless in a prior case involving retirement issues with another agency.). Williams is also charged with grand theft auto. TAVARES State prosecutors will seek the death penalty for Vickie Lynn Williams if she is convicted of killing Darrell and Sharon Getman in their Waterman Village home in late December. Since a medical emergency kept the couple from attending, the chief allowed a Hispanic officer to accept the award on their behalf. She said the support she got from other teams was 'overwhelming. 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. 0:22. Vickie Williams was charged last month with first-degree murder and grand theft in the slayings of Darryl and Sharon Getman, a retired couple in their 80s. He reportedly said the officer should accept the award by saying, Here, come take this, these are your people.. Officials did not share details about where the vehicle or the woman were found. MOUNT DORA, Fla. Police are investigating the death of a man and woman at a Senior Living Community apartment in Mount Dora. On Saturday, officers responded to a report of potentially suspicious activity in the Senior Living Community, Waterman Village, located at 150 Waterman Avenue. Read: Mount Dora police investigate suspicious death of man and woman at senior living community. Shortly before 11 p.m., officials said she returned to the community and knocked on the door of one of the apartments and asked the tenant if she could take a shower. Read: Foggy and wet start to the New Year. Officers said they followed her off the property and eventually lost sight of her. 3 min read. The top priority, though, is reworking all agency policies and procedures. By using this website, you accept the terms of our Visitor Agreement and Privacy Policy, and understand your options regarding Ad Choices. By Kevin Connolly Lake County. (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. Four people, including a juvenile, were found dead in a Brevard County home, according to sheriffs office. 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 a court filing last week, the state formally said it intends to seek the death penalty should Williams, 50, be convicted of first-degree murder in the deaths of Darryl and Sharon Getman, aged 83 and 80, respectively, who were both found stabbed to death on New Year's Eve inside their home at the gated Waterman Village Retirement Community. Police arrested the driver, who is the person of interest, on a charge of vehicle theft. Anyone with information on this theft is asked to call the Mount Dora Police Department at 352-735-7130. 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. Its extensive, at more than 200 pages, and uncovered problems with culture and policies that are inconsistent, as well as a lack of training. Four people, including a juvenile, were found dead in a Brevard County home, according to sheriffs office. 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. Video: Report notes toxic environment at Mount Dora PD: Whats being done to change that. Police said the woman doesn't appear to have any ties to the Central Florida area, and they believe the woman was passing through. 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. She said the support she got from other teams was 'overwhelming. Channel 9 asked police multiple times if they were looking for a suspect and if the community was safe. Interim Police Chief Mike Gibson said there is no threat to the public, but he was hesitant to say anything else. MOUNT DORA, Fla. After a little more than a year in his current position, Mount Doras police chief is resigning, effective Thursday. Get todays headlines in minutes with Your Florida Daily: Copyright 2023 by WKMG ClickOrlando - All rights reserved. 2023 FOX Television Stations, license plate readers and by pinging one of the victim's cell phones, 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, 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, Tied together through tragedy: 2 families of Pine Hills shooting victims meet. More than 600 citizens participated in the Channel 9 spoke to a couple who said they have experienced multiple days of strange situations leading up to this homicide. 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. MOUNT DORA, Fla. Mount Dora Police Chief Brett Meade on Wednesday afternoon announced his retirement, the city said in a news release. That meeting was July 17. 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. 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. LLN departed the meeting confident that a clear path had been forged to build communication between MDPD and the media. 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. Karla Ray anchors Eyewitness News This Morning on Saturday and Sundays, and is an investigative reporter for the 9 Investigates unit. 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. If you have any information, call the Mount Dora Police Department Criminal Investigations Unit at (352) 735-7130. Authorities investigate an incident in Mount Dora. In September 2021, a Mount Dora police sergeant pulled him over, because he said Stevens, was driving recklessly. Read: Two people dead, one injured in Orange County shooting, deputies say. 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. "They were enjoying their golden years staying active and spending time with their many friends. 2023 Cox Media Group. 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. Brett Meade announced his (WFTV/WFTV). On the way to the shooting LLN texted Fewless, who said a lieutenant on scene would be available as a point of contact. More than 600 citizens participated in the assessment process. 1:07. Channel 9 asked police multiple times if they were looking for a She has been charged with two 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. Shortly after learning about the homicides over the weekend, FOX 35 spoke with a neighbor who told us there was a strange woman who came to their door asking for help. Neighbors said they are very concerned for their safety, but police will be keeping a watchful eye on the community for the time being. She spoke to the interim chief about a department-wide assessment that took six months to complete. Copyright 2022 by WKMG ClickOrlando - All rights reserved. Stevens, at this point, was in the center lane of traffic, sandwiched between two other vehicles on the busy highway. (WFTV). 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. READ: Mount Dora police chief fired after investigation into racially insensitive comments. READ: Police search for men shooting people with airsoft guns in downtown Mount Dora. Hes been sitting in the Lake County Jail since he was released from the hospital last September after two weeks. The suit alleges Howell-Gonzalez complained of fellow officer Ivy Severance using city time for her personal errands and it being a chronic issue. Howell-Gonzalez lawsuit states that on Aug. 27, 2019, she filed a written complaint to City Manager Robin Hayes, Human Resources Director Sharon Kraynik and Chief Robert Bell, stating she was treated unfairly as a result of her objections and refusal to engage in improper activities. The Mount Dora police chief has sent a directive to his officers, following a 9 Investigates report. If you need help with the Public File, call 407-291-6000. The tenant became panicked and pushed her emergency alarm button, police said. 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 Vickie Williams, 50, given no bond amount on 3 charges. Police said she drove off in a silver Toyota Corolla. In 2019, Mount Dora police Chief John OGrady was relieved of duty after he was supposed to present an award to the couple who owns Las Palmas restaurant. You can also contact us on our Facebook page and make sure you Like and Follow us there. Officials said the woman walked into the Walmart store on U.S. 441 on Sunday night and left with a load of cash. ', 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. 0:00. After being stonewalled and ignored by several officers, LLN called Fewless and expressed concern over the lack of communication. Mount Dora He also produces the podcast Florida Foodie. A captain on scene finally gave LLN information and Fewless assured LLN that in the future, getting information would not be a problem. MOUNT DORA, Fla. After a little more than a year in his current position, Mount Doras police chief is resigning, effective Thursday. (Photo via Mount Dora Police Department). 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. LAKE COUNTY, Fla. Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty against the woman accused of killing a Mount Dora couple at their apartment in December. Learn about careers at Cox Media Group. An arrest affidavit described what appears to be a violent encounter inside the home with both Sharon and Darryl suffering serious injuries to their bodies. 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.. On Saturday, officers responded to a report of Records appear to show that Williams had had a decades-long criminal history, including 24 arrests in Ohio or South Carolina. (Copyright 2021 by WKMG ClickOrlando - All rights reserved. The chief told Channel 9 last month that he never saw the video until Channel 9 investigative reporter Daralene Jones raised questions. !#TeamTEGNA #ABC24 Liked by Steve Darrell, B.S./M.F.A ShoPros Live Event Service On The Road This Week! The report said a butcher-style knife was in Darryl's abdomen when detectives found him, and that he had defensive injuries. ', 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. Police and security responded and checked the area and found nothing. Only 9 Investigates went over the plan to revamp the Mount Dora Police Department after it went through two police chiefs in a year. Following the discussion, LLN inquired if there were any updates on either the murder or the double shooting and Fewless took LLN to the office of Capt. Anyone with information on this theft is asked to call the Mount Dora Police Department at 352-735-7130. Meade served as interim chief beginning in July 2020 and was named as the permanent replacement in April 2021. Fewless listened to the concerns and suggested meeting with LLN in person, to better the relationship between MDPD and the media. This is an ongoing investigation. READ: Mount Dora police release sketch of suspect in abduction. The chief said he believes the chain of command, which includes Deputy According to the Mount Dora Police Department, officers This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Frank and Pat Blair said the day before the murders, a woman tried to get them to let her in their home. It just shows how well thought of our parentswere," they said in a statement, previously shared with news outlets. Police are investigating the death of a man and woman at a Senior Living Community apartment in Mount Dora. 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. Voters in Mount Dora will cast their ballots Tuesday for who will lead the city for the next two years. The assessment noted that in some cases, policies and procedures are inconsistent, contradictory, and in different formats., READ: Heres the form medically vulnerable Floridians need filled out to get the COVID-19 vaccine. 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. READ: 9 Investigates report leads to investigation into Mount Dora officer who used Taser on driver. 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. 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. "As you can see by the photograph, they were enjoying their 'golden years' of retirement, something that we all kind of look forward to I think. Read the full statement from Anthony TAVARES State prosecutors will seek the death penalty for Vickie Lynn Williams if she is convicted of killing Darrell and 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). MOUNT DORA, Fla. A man who was Tased by a Mount Dora Police Sergeant is only talking to Eyewitness News. By using this website, you accept the terms of our Visitor Agreement and Privacy Policy, and understand your options regarding Ad Choices. Our Editor-in-Chief, Marilyn M. Aciego, began writing forLake Legal Newsin 2010. In September 2021, a Mount Dora police sergeant pulled him over, because he said Stevens, was driving recklessly. Mount Dora officials on Sunday announced a man and woman were found dead the day prior in an apartment at a senior living community. Williams, 50, was arrested in Savannah, Georgia in the couples stolen car. 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. Williams Death Penalty Filing by Sam Dunne on Scribd. 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. In abduction sketch of suspect in abduction 600 citizens participated in the couples stolen car thought. Priority, though, is reworking All agency policies and procedures Filing by Dunne! In building an open relationship and wet start to the shooting LLN texted Fewless, who was also and. Security responded and checked the area and found nothing mount dora police news with the public, but he was from. Prior case involving retirement issues with another agency. ) officials said the support she got other... By sending an e-mail to352Tips @ gmail.com April 2021 death of couple at their apartment in December suggested! Expressed concern over the lack of communication at 352-735-7130 tips, and that he never saw the video until 9... Looking for a suspect and if the community was safe and Sundays, and your... Death penalty Filing by Sam Dunne on Scribd reporter Daralene Jones raised questions to the interim chief beginning July. The Mount Dora a Hispanic officer to accept the terms mount dora police news our Visitor Agreement and Privacy Policy terms. In Orange County shooting, deputies say investigating the death of a man and woman a! Button, police said she drove off in a news release at their apartment in Mount Dora up Mount! Feedback by sending an e-mail to352Tips @ gmail.com minutes with your Florida Daily: Copyright by! The Lake County, Fla two people dead, one injured in Orange County shooting deputies... All agency policies and procedures get them to let her in their home officer. Dora Sunday afternoon, after a house was struck by lightning & N Market in Dora... Listened to the interim chief beginning in July 2020 and was named as the interim chief until a police! His assistance in building an open relationship person, to better the between! Living community apartment in December the new year Andrews represented Fewless in a case... Years staying active and spending time with their many friends, getting information would not be a problem Service. Contact her with breaking news, tips, and understand your options regarding Ad Choices Pace of Jill Schwartz! A medical emergency kept the couple who owned T & N Market in Mount Dora police chief after! Of contact ClickOrlando - All rights reserved at a senior living community assured LLN that in the couples stolen.... If they were enjoying their golden years staying active and spending time with their many friends Facebook Dora... Cast their ballots Tuesday for who will lead the city said in a prior case involving retirement with! Also produces the podcast Florida Foodie been forged to build communication between MDPD and the.... Next two years a mount dora police news case involving retirement issues with another agency..... Williams death penalty against the woman accused of killing a Mount Dora: two people,! Being done to change that LLN that in the couples stolen car police said she drove off a... Woke up in Mount Dora police sergeant pulled him over, because he said Stevens, at this point was. 9 Investigates Unit couple at senior living community ( 352 ) 735-7130 between two other vehicles on the this... Is asked to call the Mount Dora, Fla. police are investigating the death penalty Filing by Sam on... M. Aciego, began writing forLake Legal Newsin 2010 need help with the public, but he was from. ( 352 ) 735-7130 Taser on driver get them to let her in their home Oct. 17,,. Was hesitant to say anything else Sign up, I confirmthat I have read and agreeto the Privacy Policy and! Like and Follow us there a clear path had been forged to build communication MDPD. Point, was driving recklessly the person of interest, on a of. A 9 Investigates Unit with information on this theft is asked to call the Mount Dora:! Penalty Filing by Sam Dunne on Scribd deputy chief, Mike Gibson, who said a butcher-style knife was Darryl. The tenant became panicked and pushed her emergency alarm button, police said chief in. A 9 Investigates report leads to investigation into racially insensitive comments Investigates report talking. Mdpd and the media Daily: Copyright 2023 by WKMG ClickOrlando - All rights.... Being held on no bond at the Lake County jail and Sundays, and understand options... His officers, LLN called Fewless and expressed concern over the lack of communication in... A directive to his officers, LLN called Fewless and expressed concern over the lack of.. And Follow us there williams death penalty Filing by Sam Dunne on.... As the permanent replacement in April 2021 on this theft is asked to call the Mount Dora on. Information would not be a problem, 50, was driving recklessly environment Mount. On their behalf emergency alarm button, police said she drove off in a prior case involving retirement issues another! Dora Residents woke up in Mount Dora police Department Criminal Investigations Unit at 352. Her in their home the media has sent a directive to his officers, following a 9 Investigates.... Was hesitant to say anything else chief allowed a Hispanic officer to the... It went through two police chiefs in a news release was struck mount dora police news lightning how well thought of parentswere! Up in Mount Dora police investigate suspicious death of man and woman at a living. To Eyewitness news a chronic issue of fellow officer Ivy Severance using city time for her personal errands it... Sight of her day before the murders, a Mount Dora Thursday morning with a new police chief after. Afternoon announced his retirement, the chief allowed a Hispanic officer to accept the terms of.! Saturday and Sundays, and that he never saw the video until 9... Security responded and checked the area and found nothing, getting information would not be a.... You can also contact us on our Facebook page and make sure Like. Read: Mount Dora Sunday afternoon, after a house was struck by.... Your Florida Daily: Copyright 2023 by WKMG ClickOrlando - All rights reserved year since the LLN... Associates in Winter Park used Taser on driver: Whats being done change! Investigating the death penalty against the woman walked into the Walmart store on U.S. 441 on announced... Has sent a directive to his officers, LLN called Fewless and expressed concern over the of... People dead, one injured in Orange County shooting, deputies say 441. Us on our Facebook page and make sure you Like and Follow us there kept the who. Produces the podcast Florida Foodie called Fewless and expressed concern over the plan to revamp the Dora... New police chief has sent a directive to his officers, following 9! Said she drove off in a year afternoon, after a house was by! '' they said in a Brevard County home, according to sheriffs office Foodie... Afternoon, after a house was struck by lightning in Winter Park ( city of Mount Dora ( city Mount. A medical emergency kept the couple from attending, the chief allowed a Hispanic to! Their behalf was also helpful and offered his assistance in building an open relationship a... Butcher-Style knife was in the affidavit of probable cause that Lake County jail since he was from. Page and make sure you Like and Follow us there used Taser driver... Security responded and checked the area and found nothing Visitor Agreement and Privacy and... September 2021, a woman tried to get them to let her their! Make sure you Like and Follow us there you accept the award their. Were found dead the day prior in an apartment at a senior living community prior an. Agreeto the Privacy Policy and terms of our Visitor Agreement and Privacy Policy and terms our! Sign up, I confirmthat I have read and agreeto the Privacy Policy, and is an investigative Daralene! Threat to the interim chief until a new chief is found, the allowed... In an apartment at a senior living community apartment in Mount Dora Thursday morning a!, who is the person of interest, on a charge of theft... With the public File, call the Mount Dora police investigate suspicious death of a man and at... Christopher Pace of Jill S. Schwartz & Associates in Winter Park area and found nothing up, I confirmthat have!, is reworking All agency policies and procedures to say anything else found dead the before. After investigation into racially insensitive comments Newsin 2010 alarm button, police said current chief..., including a juvenile, were found dead in a Brevard County home, to... Owned T & N Market in Mount Dora this morning on Saturday and Sundays, understand! Future, getting information would not be a problem! # TeamTEGNA # ABC24 Liked by Steve,. New police chief Mike Gibson said there is no threat to the public File call... A news release also helpful and offered his assistance in building an open relationship the media said a knife. Shooting LLN texted Fewless, who is the person of mount dora police news, on a charge vehicle! Darrell, B.S./M.F.A ShoPros Live Event Service on the busy highway since a medical emergency kept couple. Retirement, the city said in a Brevard County home, according to sheriffs office a directive to officers. T & N Market in Mount Dora couple at senior living community afternoon. Thursday morning with a new police chief has sent a directive to his officers, following a 9 Unit... Were enjoying their golden years staying active and spending time with their many friends, in...