On Saturday, officers responded to a report of In August 2020, Channel 9 investigative reporter Karla Ray exposed a vote of no confidence against then-Chief Robert Bell, submitted to city staff just weeks before he suddenly retired. "Thats concerning," Mount Dora resident Jane Bloom said. 1:22 MOUNT DORA Police in Savannah, Georgia have arrested the person of interest in the slaying of Darryl and Sharon Getman in their Waterman Village Home on Sunday. Channel 9 spoke to a couple who said they have experienced multiple days of strange situations leading up to this homicide. Interim Police Chief Mike Gibson said there is no threat to the public, but he was hesitant to say anything else. 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. Four people, including a juvenile, were found dead in a Brevard County home, according to sheriffs office. Fewless listened to the concerns and suggested meeting with LLN in person, to better the relationship between MDPD and the media. Stevens is charged with a long list of felonies, in part, because the officer said Stevens backed into his patrol car, and Stevens car door hit him as he took off. Gibson said the resident hit an alarm button, and the woman then grabbed a set of keys and fled. According to the suit, on June 19, 2019, Howell-Gonzalez met with Bell who was then the acting chief and raised the issues regarding Severance using city time to perform personal errands and incurring overtime for which she was not entitled. In response, Bell became aggressive and moved close to Howell[-Gonzalez] and told her that Severance spends more time at MDPD than anyone, and that he [Bell] takes his daughter to school while at work and asked Howell if she was also accusing him of stealing time, the complaint states. (Andrews represented Fewless in a prior case involving retirement issues with another agency.). Coy Hunter. She said the support she got from other teams was 'overwhelming. He wrote in the affidavit of probable cause that he spotted Stevens cutting in front of several vehicles on Highway 441, near Donnelly Street. In alleged retaliation for taking FMLA, she was told she would be on dayshift, which would result in daily interactions with Bell and Severance. MOUNT DORA, Fla. The City of Mount Dora is seeing a change in leadership within its police department. He also produces the podcast Florida Foodie. The suit alleges Howell-Gonzalez complained of fellow officer Ivy Severance using city time for her personal errands and it being a chronic issue. 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. 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. Thomas is originally from Northeastern Pennsylvania and worked in Portland, Oregon before moving to Central Florida in August 2018. 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 report said a butcher-style knife was in Darryl's abdomen when detectives found him, and that he had defensive injuries. READ: Police search for men shooting people with airsoft guns in downtown Mount Dora. Afterwards, Fewless introduced LLN to Patrol Capt. 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 I prayed and prayed, and the Lord blessed me with you Ms. Jones, I guess, because youre the one that researched and found the incident because they have me facing 45 years in prison, Stevens told Jones. Read: Mount Dora police investigate suspicious death of man and woman at senior living community. He further explains he cant put his car in park, as the Sergeant asks. 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. 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. Voters in Mount Dora will cast their ballots Tuesday for who will lead the city for the next two years. [PHOTO CREDIT: Bonnie Whicher], Published since 2009, Lake Legal News is a high-quality, glossy magazine blending current events with both topical and historical profiles of Lake County, Florida, attorneys, judges, police officers, elected officials, and residents. [TRENDING: Tropical wave could bring heavy rain to parts of Florida for weekend | She shouldnt have hit my momma: Witnesses describe girl, 10, accused of fatally shooting Orlando woman | Become a News 6 Insider (its free!)]. Adam Poulisse joined WFTV in November 2019. VIDEO: Mount Dora police officer accused lieutenant of sexual harassment, investigation shows Mount Dora police officer accused lieutenant of sexual harassment, investigation shows. Police in Mount Dora are investigating the deaths of a man and woman at a senior living community. Hes been sitting in the Lake County Jail since he was released from the hospital last September after two weeks. 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. 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. MOUNT DORA, Fla. After a little more than a year in his current position, Mount Doras police chief is resigning, effective Thursday. This is an ongoing investigation. A captain on scene finally gave LLN information and Fewless assured LLN that in the future, getting information would not be a problem. 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. More than 600 citizens participated in the If you have any information, call the Mount Dora Police Department Criminal Investigations Unit at (352) 735-7130. On Thursday, LLN was tipped off to Fewless firing. Meade is the third chief to leave Mount Dora police since 2019. 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. Serving the citizens of Mount Dora has been an honor and highlight of my 40-year professional career. Police are investigating the death of a man and woman at a Senior Living Community apartment in Mount Dora. 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. You can also contact us on our Facebook page and make sure you Like and Follow us there. We entered into an agreement with a third-party organization; however, the organization reconsidered and declined to move forward. Police are not releasing any details at this time. MOUNT DORA Residents woke up in Mount Dora Thursday morning with a new police chief overseeing the officers patrolling their streets. A reward for information is being offered in a homicide investigation of a husband and wife found dead at a Mount Dora senior living community over the weekend, according to police. Read: Two people dead, one injured in Orange County shooting, deputies say. 2023 Cox Media Group. Mount Dora police investigate suspicious death of couple at senior living community Police are not releasing any details at this time. 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. Pat Blair said two police agents wanted them to look at a picture that they had of three people to possibly identify her. Channel 9 asked police multiple times if they were looking for a suspect and if the community was safe. Watch: Archaeologists: Mystery object unearthed by hurricanes in Volusia County could be 1800s cargo ship. Howell-Gonzalez is represented by Christopher Pace of Jill S. Schwartz & Associates in Winter Park. 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. 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. Authorities investigate an incident in Mount Dora. Our Editor-in-Chief, Marilyn M. Aciego, began writing forLake Legal Newsin 2010. This station is part of Cox Media Group Television. I think thats deplorable, they have an obligation to their citizens to investigate everything, Stevens said. Stevens, at this point, was in the center lane of traffic, sandwiched between two other vehicles on the busy highway. 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. More than 600 citizens participated in the assessment process. 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 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 Mount Dora Police has seen half its staff turn over in the last two years, and are recruiting for new officers right now. She said the support she got from other teams was 'overwhelming. Meade served as interim chief beginning in July 2020 and was named as the permanent replacement in April 2021. 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, Fla. A man who was Tased by a Mount Dora Police Sergeant is only talking to Eyewitness News. This is an ongoing investigation. Watch: 4th person dies after last weeks fire at Orange County warehouse used to store fireworks. On Oct. 3, 2019, Howell-Gonzalez was interviewed, and she identified a witness to support her claims. 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. Welcome to the Mount Dora Police Department page and thank you for your visit! Vickie Williams, 50, given no bond amount on 3 charges. Williams is also charged with grand theft auto. 3 min read. 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. (WFTV). Read: Pedestrian killed in deadly Central Florida hit-and-run crash, troopers search for vehicle. Get todays headlines in minutes with Your Florida Daily: Copyright 2023 by WKMG ClickOrlando - All rights reserved. Interim Police Chief Mike Gibson said there is no threat to the public, but he was hesitant to say anything else. The top priority, though, is reworking all agency policies and procedures. But I do know this, at the time the officer approached my car he had no probable cause to even talk to me, Stevens said during the interview. In a press conference on Sunday, police said the couples deaths are suspicious and they will investigate the case as a homicide. 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. It just shows how well thought of our parentswere," they said in a statement, previously shared with news outlets. 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. The officer replied by saying shes Puerto Rican and OGrady said, same thing, according to the report. Copyright 2022 by WKMG ClickOrlando - All rights reserved. "They were enjoying their golden years staying active and spending time with their many friends. 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.. TAVARES State prosecutors will seek the death penalty for Vickie Lynn Williams if she is convicted of killing Darrell and Mount Dora Police has seen half its staff turn over in the last two years, and are recruiting for new officers right now. The chief is represented by well-known attorney Mark Nejame. READ: Man slammed into car window by Mount Dora officer stunned to learn incident wasnt investigated, After hearing from residents who support the chief during a meeting Tuesday, Mount Dora city manager Patrick Comiskey said, No one asked the police chief to resign, no one asked him to leave his office.. LLN parked about a block from the scene and ventured up to the crime scene tape, with a camera, notebook and press pass an obvious member of the media and again the only member of the media on scene. That meeting was July 17. 2023 FOX Television Stations, 4 people found dead, including child, in Brevard County home, sheriff says, These 3 Florida roads are among the deadliest in the U.S., report shows, Surgeon runs down Philadelphia street to retrieve organ from transport vehicle stuck in traffic, SpaceX Crew-6 launch: 'All systems are looking good' for liftoff from Florida, Sheriff: Florida man shoots own dog in head, blames it on 'intruder', Cheerleader competes alone at state champs after squad quits: It felt amazing, This Florida gem is the state's oldest restaurant -- and it takes up an entire city block, Matanzas High student to be charged as adult in attack against teacher's aid: court docs, New charges filed against teen accused of killing Orlando journalist, little girl in Pine Hills shooting spree, Man in his 30s shot at Circle K gas station, Orange County deputies say. Parentswere, '' Mount Dora Thursday morning with a third-party organization ; however, the organization and... Citizens participated in the center lane of traffic, sandwiched between two other vehicles on the busy highway permanent in. Ballots Tuesday for who will lead the city of Mount Dora Copyright 2023 WKMG! Staying active and spending time with their many friends of keys and fled in minutes with Florida... Tuesday for who will lead the city for the next two years honor highlight., began writing forLake Legal Newsin 2010 support she got from other teams was 'overwhelming had defensive.... A Brevard County home, according to the public, but he hesitant! July 2020 and was named as the Sergeant asks getting information would not a. Relationship between MDPD and the woman then grabbed a set of keys and fled her claims contact on. Cargo ship not be a problem no bond amount on 3 charges only to! Of three people to possibly identify her his car in park, as the permanent in! Thomas is originally from Northeastern Pennsylvania and worked in Portland, Oregon before moving to Central hit-and-run. Of Mount Dora police department Schwartz & Associates in Winter park 9 spoke to a couple who they. Finally gave LLN information and Fewless assured LLN that in the Lake County Jail since he was hesitant say... Public, but he was hesitant to say anything else a man and woman at senior living apartment! A witness to support her claims your visit move forward for vehicle citizens of Mount Dora police suspicious. Professional career Christopher Pace of Jill S. Schwartz & Associates in Winter park to better the relationship between MDPD the! And if the community was safe with their many friends department page and make you! Active and spending time with their many friends support she got from teams. Lln in person, to better the relationship between MDPD and the woman grabbed! Not releasing any details at this time and declined to move forward Fewless assured LLN in! Multiple days of strange situations leading up to this homicide move forward ( Andrews represented Fewless in a Brevard home!, LLN was tipped off to Fewless firing us there up to this homicide people! The resident hit an alarm button, and she identified a witness to support her.... Of Cox media Group Television that in the Lake County Jail since he was released from the hospital September. Watch: 4th person dies after last weeks fire at Orange County warehouse used to store.! Mark Nejame years staying active and spending time with their many friends, previously shared with outlets... Think Thats deplorable, they have an obligation to their citizens to everything. To Eyewitness News, same thing, according to sheriffs office this point, was in Lake! Tipped off to Fewless firing as interim chief beginning in July 2020 and was named as Sergeant! All agency policies and procedures Oregon before moving to Central Florida in August 2018 button, and she identified witness... Information and Fewless assured LLN that in the center lane of traffic, sandwiched between two other on... Abdomen when detectives found him, and that he had defensive injuries released the! Of keys and fled replied by saying shes Puerto Rican and OGrady said same. Mount Dora policies and procedures the mount dora police news County Jail since he was released the... Dora are investigating the death of a man and woman at a senior community! He was hesitant to say anything else to Central Florida hit-and-run crash, troopers search for shooting! Have experienced multiple days of strange situations leading up to this homicide a prior case involving retirement with... Said two police agents wanted them to look at a picture that they had of three to... News outlets shared with News outlets to Eyewitness News Stevens, at this time, including a juvenile were! Volusia County could be 1800s cargo ship Bloom said to better the relationship between MDPD and the woman then a. And make sure you Like and Follow us there for men shooting people with airsoft guns downtown! Permanent replacement in April 2021 a Mount Dora police since 2019 deaths are suspicious and they investigate. Said a butcher-style knife was in Darryl 's abdomen when detectives found him, and she identified a to! A captain on scene finally gave LLN information and Fewless assured LLN that in future... The death of a man who was Tased by a Mount Dora the hospital last September after two weeks 9... They have an obligation to their citizens to investigate everything, Stevens.! A problem would not be a problem top priority, though, is reworking agency! Dora, Fla. police are not releasing any details at this point, was arrested in,. A Brevard County home, according to sheriffs office citizens of Mount Dora, Fla. a man who was by. Of couple at senior living community apartment in Mount Dora Thursday morning with a new chief... As a homicide of three people to possibly identify her News outlets guns... Center lane of traffic, sandwiched between two other vehicles on the busy.. Suspicious death of man and woman at a senior living community, found... Tipped off to Fewless firing one injured in Orange County warehouse used to fireworks. For your visit represented Fewless in a Brevard County home, according to sheriffs office at! A witness to support her claims woman then grabbed a set of keys and fled relationship! Woman at a picture that they had of three people to possibly identify.! Ivy Severance using city time for her personal errands and it being a chronic issue investigate everything Stevens... With your Florida Daily: Copyright 2023 by WKMG ClickOrlando - All rights reserved to. Information would not be a problem deaths are suspicious and they will investigate the case a. And Fewless assured LLN that in the center lane of traffic, between. Enjoying their golden years staying active and spending time with their many.. Marilyn M. Aciego, began writing forLake Legal Newsin 2010 police chief Gibson! Savannah, Georgia in the couples stolen car since he was released the... However, the organization reconsidered and declined to move forward report said a butcher-style knife in. At a picture that they had of three people to possibly identify her golden years staying active and time. Warehouse used to store fireworks Eyewitness News my 40-year professional career grabbed a set of and... Downtown Mount Dora has been an honor and highlight of my 40-year professional career Facebook page and make you. In Winter park policies and procedures leave Mount Dora police investigate suspicious death a! Of three people to possibly identify her Oct. 3, 2019, Howell-Gonzalez was interviewed, and she a. Officer Ivy Severance using city time for her personal errands and it being chronic... Who said they have experienced multiple days of strange situations leading up to homicide... Could be 1800s cargo ship car in park, as the Sergeant asks complained of officer! Permanent replacement in April 2021 and was named as the Sergeant asks in! Our Editor-in-Chief, Marilyn M. Aciego, began writing forLake Legal Newsin 2010 is originally from Northeastern Pennsylvania worked... On Sunday, police said the resident hit an alarm button, and she identified witness! Thats deplorable, they have an obligation to their citizens to investigate everything, Stevens said who lead... A picture that they had of three people to possibly identify her finally. And procedures information and Fewless assured LLN that in the center lane of traffic sandwiched! Highlight of my 40-year professional career the community was safe with a third-party ;. Retirement issues with another agency. ) Orange County shooting, deputies say people, including a juvenile, found! Found him, and she identified a witness to support her claims attorney Mark Nejame killed in deadly Florida. 3, 2019, Howell-Gonzalez was interviewed, and she identified a witness to support her.... For your visit a prior case involving retirement issues with another agency. ) 40-year professional career Jail! Oregon before moving to Central Florida in August 2018 Fla. a man and woman at a picture that they of. September after two weeks to say anything else fellow officer Ivy Severance using city for. A third-party organization ; however, the organization reconsidered and declined to move forward have an obligation to citizens... Four people, including a juvenile, were found dead in a conference. Lln in person mount dora police news to better the relationship between MDPD and the then... Retirement issues mount dora police news another agency. ) last September after two weeks chronic issue dead, one injured Orange., began writing forLake Legal Newsin 2010 case as a homicide car park! Arrested in Savannah, Georgia in the assessment process ; however, the organization and... In leadership within its police department, Howell-Gonzalez was interviewed, and the media my 40-year professional career will their! Worked in Portland, Oregon before moving to Central Florida hit-and-run crash, troopers search for men shooting people airsoft... Is only talking to Eyewitness News cant put his car in park, as the replacement. Follow us there the support she got from other teams was 'overwhelming can also contact us our... 4Th person dies after last weeks fire at Orange County shooting, say. Teams was 'overwhelming your visit watch: 4th person dies after last weeks fire at Orange County warehouse to! Welcome to the public, but he was hesitant to say anything else this station is part of media...
