When officers arrived at the scene, they found a deceased man and woman. 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. 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 analysis noted the only category that most officers felt confident in their level of training was active shooter response, stating they feel insufficiently trained in all other categories. Serving the citizens of Mount Dora has been an honor and highlight of my 40-year professional career. 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 departed the meeting confident that a clear path had been forged to build communication between MDPD and the media. VIDEO: Deplorable: Man Tased by Mount Dora police sergeant speaks out, Deplorable: Man Tased by Mount Dora police sergeant speaks out, VIDEO: Mount Dora police officer accused lieutenant of sexual harassment, investigation shows, Mount Dora police officer accused lieutenant of sexual harassment, investigation shows, Sheriff: 4 found dead, including child, at Brevard County home, Governor requests information from state attorneys office on accused Pine Hills shooters record, All aboard: Ride SunRail for free this Saturday, West Virginia could pay former residents $25,000 to come back, Breeze Airways adds 4 new routes from Orlando International Airport. Vickie The top priority, though, is reworking all agency policies and procedures. She said, I lost my car key and I need to call my husband, but my phone needs charging, could I come in and charge my phone? Frank Blair said. Howell-Gonzalez complained to a MDPD sergeant, who always advised her he was told to leave Ofc. 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. She spoke to the interim chief about a department-wide assessment that took six months to complete. About a dozen residents showed up at the press conference to try to get some answers. City Staff and I are working diligently to find a third party to review these cases. Stevens, at this point, was in the center lane of traffic, sandwiched between two other vehicles on the busy highway. Howell-Gonzalez is represented by Christopher Pace of Jill S. Schwartz & Associates in Winter Park. I believe it was someone that was simply passing through and its a once-in-a-lifetime event.. (Our website also offers breaking news and web exclusives.). 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. Police in Mount Dora are looking for a woman who reportedly stole thousands of dollars from a Walmart. He also produces the podcast Florida Foodie. By using this website, you accept the terms of our Visitor Agreement and Privacy Policy, and understand your options regarding Ad Choices. Those arrests ranged from misdemeanors to felonies, including assault, criminal trespassing, theft, robbery, receiving stolen property, and domestic violence. Thomas Mates is a digital storyteller for News 6 and ClickOrlando.com. Williams is currently being held on no bond at the Lake County jail. Howell-Gonzalez was then transferred from her unit, the lawsuit states. By Kevin Connolly Lake County. By clicking Sign Up, I confirmthat I have read and agreeto the Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. An investigation began after law enforcement responded to Waterman Village in Mount Dora around 4 p.m. Saturday after security was alerted by a concerned resident that the couple's garage door was open. Williams was found days later in Savannah, Georgia parked at an train station with the Getman's vehicle, police said. In May, LLN was on scene the only media on scene of a murder at Lowes, 18795 U.S. Highway 441, Mount Dora attempting to get information from MDPD officers investigating the crime. The news release did not say what prompted the chiefs decision to leave his post. Learn about careers at Cox Media Group. 2023 Cox Media Group. Police said they located the missing vehicle using license plate readers and by pinging one of the victim's cell phones, which was left inside the vehicle. Jessica Howell-Gonzalez filed a federal lawsuit against the City of Mount Dora alleging violations of Floridas Whistleblower Act, Family Medical Leave Act and the First Amendment. He reportedly said the officer should accept the award by saying, Here, come take this, these are your people.. 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. Officials in Mount Dora held a news conference Tuesday afternoon to give an update on the homicide investigation of a married couple found dead inside a senior living The Mount Dora Police Department is going to focus on our priorities, and I know our officers, our staff, were excited to be where were going with our partnerships, Meade said. Read: Pedestrian killed in deadly Central Florida hit-and-run crash, troopers search for vehicle. Channel 9 asked police multiple times if they were looking for a suspect and if the community was safe. Gibson said the resident hit an alarm button, and the woman then grabbed a set of keys and fled. Adam Poulisse joined WFTV in November 2019. MOUNT DORA, Fla. 9 Investigates has learned more about why the Mount Dora police chief suddenly resigned last week. Howell-Gonzalez took her complaints to a lieutenant in the department three times in April 2019 and Severances alleged behavior continued. Officials did not share details about where the vehicle or the woman were found. >>> STREAM CHANNEL 9 By clicking Sign Up, I confirmthat I have read and agreeto the Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. The chief said he believes the chain of command, which includes Deputy Chief Mike Gibson, didnt launch an investigation because they viewed it as a normal police hand-to-hand contact. 2023 Cox Media Group. (WFTV). Police in Mount Dora are looking for a woman who reportedly stole thousands of dollars from a Walmart. This station is part of Cox Media Group Television. She said the support she got from other teams was 'overwhelming. 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. On Oct. 17, 2019, she was thereby constructively discharged, the suit states. 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. In September 2021, a Mount Dora police sergeant pulled him over, because he said Stevens, was driving recklessly. Police have not released the cause of death. Her identity has not been released at this time. 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. 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. Andrews confirmed Fewless firing and advised that Fewless was fired for speaking with LLN July 17. Read: Ocala couple arrested on multiple human trafficking charges, Marion County deputies say. Read the full statement from Anthony 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. Brett Meade announced his The current deputy chief, Mike Gibson, will serve as the interim chief until a new chief is found, the release said. Several calls to City Hall Friday went unanswered. 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). OGrady was succeeded by Robert Bell, who had been serving as deputy chief. Fewless listened to the concerns and suggested meeting with LLN in person, to better the relationship between MDPD and the media. 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. Police officers responded to the complex later Saturday afternoon after the couple was found dead. Officials in Mount Dora held a news conference Tuesday afternoon to give an update on the homicide investigation of a married couple found dead inside a senior living community apartment. Contact her with breaking news, tips, and feedback by sending an e-mail to352Tips@gmail.com. Read: Foggy and wet start to the New Year. Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, click here to download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. 2023 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. VIDEO: Mount Dora police officer accused lieutenant of sexual harassment, investigation shows Mount Dora police officer accused lieutenant of sexual harassment, investigation shows. Hes been sitting in the Lake County Jail since he was released from the hospital last September after two weeks. 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 According to her lawsuit, Howell-Gonzalez asked that this activity cease immediately and that her concerns be immediately investigated. MDPD allegedly ignored her request, and inexplicably, Howell[-Gonzalez] was instead told that the IA investigation into Severance must first be completed.. This is an ongoing investigation. The officer described the situation in a hostile work complaint as offensive and humiliating. Read: Foggy and wet start to the New Year. 1:07. 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. It appears it was a random crime, Gibson said during a news conference. When describing the couple, he became emotional. Mount Dora Learn about careers at Cox Media Group. Michael Gibson, who was also helpful and offered his assistance in building an open relationship. Bell soon faced issues of concern including questions about personnel and policies raised by members of the police department. We will provide updates as we move through this process.. WebMike Gibson Interim Chief of Police Ph: (352) 735-7130 Fax: (352) 383-4623 Email gibsonm@cityofmountdora.com Police are investigating the death of a man and woman at a Senior Living Community apartment in Mount Dora. The Blairs said police would not tell them if the people in the photos were suspects in the murders, or if the woman who tried to come into their home had anything to do with the homicide. 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. Williams Death Penalty Filing by Sam Dunne on Scribd. Newly-released documents are sharing new details and information into the murders of two older residents at a senior living facility on New Year's Eve in Mount Dora, Florida, including how the couple may have died and how authorities were able to track down the alleged suspect in Georgia. She has been charged with two By using this website, you accept the terms of our Visitor Agreement and Privacy Policy, and understand your options regarding Ad Choices. (Karla Ray, WFTV.com). According to police, the woman in custody who was "dressed in a particular way" was escorted off the Waterman property by security on Friday, Dec. 30. around 3 p.m. More than an hour later, she was captured on a security camera on Lake Margaret Circle wearing the same outfit, which Gibson referred to as "very unique.". 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. MOUNT DORA, Fla. Only 9 Investigates went over the plan to revamp the Mount Dora Police Department after it went through two police chiefs in a year. Gibson said he believes the murders were a random act. 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. Channel 9 asked police multiple times if they were looking for a suspect and if the community was safe. 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