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. 1:07. Officials said she stole more than $19,000 from a cash register and left to location. On Oct. 17, 2019, she was thereby constructively discharged, the suit states. About a dozen residents showed up at the press conference to try to get some answers. 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. 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. (WFTV/WFTV) MOUNT DORA, Fla. Police are investigating the death of a man and woman at a Senior Living Community apartment in Mount Dora. Just four days later, the witness received an anonymous letter devoted entirely to Severances interests threatening the witness with a defamation lawsuit. 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. 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. If you have any information, call the Mount Dora Police Department Criminal Investigations Unit at (352) 735-7130. Stevens was ready and waiting when Investigative Reporter Daralene Jones arrived in the visitors area at the Lake County Jail. Channel 9 asked police multiple times if they were looking for a By clicking Sign Up, I confirmthat I have read and agreeto the Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. Her professional career began at the Daily Commercial in 2004 where she covered cops and courts the majority of her time there until she left in 2009. 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. In a press conference on Sunday, police said the couples deaths are suspicious and they will investigate the case as a homicide. She started her journalism career at LSSC, where she was editor of both student publications,The AnglerandTheOdyssey. 2023 Cox Media Group. This station is part of Cox Media Group Television. Learn about careers at Cox Media Group. The Sergeant then goes to open his car door, and the incident escalated from there, as he tries to pull Stevens from the vehicle who refuses to comply. LLN received a tip moments after the shooting occurred and was on scene not long after the first 9-1-1 call was received. 2023 Cox Media Group. 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. MOUNT DORA, Fla. - A woman has been taken into custody as a person of interest in the murders of a Florida husband and wife at a senior living community over New Year's weekend, police announced during a news conference Tuesday afternoon. About a dozen residents showed up at the press conference to try to get some answers. Read: Foggy and wet start to the New Year. 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. Gibson said he believes the murders were a random act. 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. She said the support she got from other teams was 'overwhelming. She has made more than two dozen appearances on live national television, includingNancy Graceand theGreta Van Susterenshow, along with her appearance onEvil Twins. He further explains he cant put his car in park, as the Sergeant asks. The top priority, though, is reworking all agency policies and procedures. In a press conference on Sunday, police said the couples deaths are suspicious and they will investigate the case as a homicide. "Thats concerning," Mount Dora resident Jane Bloom said. We will provide updates as we move through this process.. Meade was brought in as interim chief to lead the assessment, which found a critical need for enhanced training. 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. When officers arrived at the scene, they found a deceased man and woman. 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. She spoke to the interim chief about a department-wide assessment that took six months to complete. The tenant became panicked and pushed her emergency alarm button, police said. Thomas Mates is a digital storyteller for News 6 and ClickOrlando.com. On the way to the shooting LLN texted Fewless, who said a lieutenant on scene would be available as a point of contact. Several calls to City Hall Friday went unanswered. Police said the woman doesn't appear to have any ties to the Central Florida area, and they believe the woman was passing through. LAKE COUNTY, Fla. Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty against the woman accused of killing a Mount Dora couple at their apartment in December. 3 min read. Howell-Gonzalez was then transferred from her unit, the lawsuit states. No MDPD or other investigator followed up with Howell-Gonzalez or the witness about the threat, according to the lawsuit. 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. Read: Two people dead, one injured in Orange County shooting, deputies say. The officer described the situation in a hostile work complaint as offensive and humiliating. Her identity has not been released at this time. 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. Santiago reportedly sped away from police again in Sanford before a helicopter spotted the pickup about 4:45 p.m. Monday, near U.S. Highway 441 and Eudora Road. MOUNT DORA, Fla. - A Georgia woman who police believe is connected to the murder of an elderly Mount Dora couple has a criminal history spanning back decades. Once he reached a red light, he activated his emergency lights and siren to conduct a traffic stop. 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. Brenda Argueta is a digital journalist who joined ClickOrlando.com in March 2021. Mount Dora police investigate suspicious death of couple at senior living community. (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. Police are investigating the death of a man and woman at a Senior Living Community apartment in Mount Dora. Im not going to say it didnt happen. The chief said he believes the chain of command, which includes Deputy (WFTV). 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. (WFTV/WFTV). 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 material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Williams Death Penalty Filing by Sam Dunne on Scribd. In July, a double shooting occurred near Grant Avenue and Clayton Street, just a few blocks from Mount Dora Middle School. 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. The Getmans vehicle was seen departing the complex early the next day and Williams was later caught driving it, police said. Pat Blair said two police agents wanted them to look at a picture that they had of three people to possibly identify her. It is valuable to build a level of trust between law enforcement and the public, in which the media plays a major role. 0:00. And the deputy Chief, Mike Gibson, who is now serving as interim chief, also signed off on the report. Those arrests ranged from misdemeanors to felonies, including assault, criminal trespassing, theft, robbery, receiving stolen property, and domestic violence. Serving the citizens of Mount Dora has been an honor and highlight of my 40-year professional career. WebMike Gibson Interim Chief of Police Ph: (352) 735-7130 Fax: (352) 383-4623 Email gibsonm@cityofmountdora.com 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. About 10 minutes later, the woman walked back to the facility but was denied entry by security. Learn about careers at Cox Media Group. Afterwards, Fewless introduced LLN to Patrol Capt. 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. This is an ongoing investigation. 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. The Mount Dora police chief has sent a directive to his officers, following a 9 Investigates report. On Monday, the Mount Dora Police Department said it received a call saying the missing vehicle had been found. 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 news release did not say what prompted the chiefs decision to leave his post. A captain on scene finally gave LLN information and Fewless assured LLN that in the future, getting information would not be a problem. Brett Meade announced his resignation Wednesday, according to a news release. Mount Dora 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. 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. 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. (When LLN arrived at Fewless office, Chief Robert Bell was leaning against a nearby wall and appeared displeased to have LLN inside the department.). It was the goal of both LLN and Fewless to begin creating that transparency. 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. 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 By using this website, you accept the terms of our Visitor Agreement and Privacy Policy, and understand your options regarding Ad Choices. VIDEO: Investigation provides insight into Mount Dora police chiefs sudden resignation, Investigation provides insight into Mount Dora police chiefs sudden resignation, Video: Records: Mount Dora officers arrested suspected drunk drivers on lesser charges to avoid paperwork. Howell-Gonzalez took her complaints to a lieutenant in the department three times in April 2019 and Severances alleged behavior continued. 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. 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. PUBLISHED 5:16 PM ET Jul. More than 600 citizens participated in the assessment process. The Mount Dora Police Department is on a stable course and I am honored to serve with men and women so dedicated to serving our community, Meade said in a statement. MOUNT DORA, Fla. A man who was Tased by a Mount Dora Police Sergeant is only talking to Eyewitness News. 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. By using this website, you accept the terms of our Visitor Agreement and Privacy Policy, and understand your options regarding Ad Choices. This station is part of Cox Media Group Television. ', 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. 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