Read: Ocala couple arrested on multiple human trafficking charges, Marion County deputies say. By Kevin Connolly Lake County. The Mount Dora police chief has sent a directive to his officers, following a 9 Investigates report. Only 9 Investigates went over the plan to revamp the Mount Dora Police Department after it went through two police chiefs in a year. This station is part of Cox Media Group Television. 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. 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. She has been charged with two Get todays headlines in minutes with Your Florida Daily: Copyright 2023 by WKMG ClickOrlando - All rights reserved. Channel 9 spoke to a couple who said they have experienced multiple days of strange situations leading up to this homicide. Andrews confirmed Fewless firing and advised that Fewless was fired for speaking with LLN July 17. 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. Interim Police Chief Mike Gibson said there is no threat to the public, but he was hesitant to say anything else. 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. The chief said he believes the chain of command, which includes Deputy Just four days later, the witness received an anonymous letter devoted entirely to Severances interests threatening the witness with a defamation lawsuit. 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. Read: Foggy and wet start to the New Year. 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. WebHaving a blast helping out fellow TEGNA news station ABC24 WATN Memphis for the next few days!! VIDEO: Mount Dora police officer accused lieutenant of sexual harassment, investigation shows Mount Dora police officer accused lieutenant of sexual harassment, investigation shows. Design by Artisan Internet Marketing, located in Mount Dora, Florida. You can also contact us on our Facebook page and make sure you Like and Follow us there. However, in this case, the 'golden years' of Darryl and Sharon were tragically cut short by a ruthless and senseless double homicide," he said. 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.. She graduated from UCF and returned to Central Florida after working in Colorado. At press time, LLN was awaiting numerous public records to confirm these allegations. Karla Ray anchors Eyewitness News This Morning on Saturday and Sundays, and is an investigative reporter for the 9 Investigates unit. The chief is represented by well-known attorney Mark Nejame. 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. (WFLA) The state of Florida has filed that they intend to seek the death penalty against the woman accused of killing an elderly couple in Mount Howell-Gonzalez took her complaints to a lieutenant in the department three times in April 2019 and Severances alleged behavior continued. This station is part of Cox Media Group Television. Police said the woman doesn't appear to have any ties to the Central Florida area, and they believe the woman was passing through. Mount Dora officials on Sunday announced a man and woman were found dead the day prior in an apartment at a senior living community. We entered into an agreement with a third-party organization; however, the organization reconsidered and declined to move forward. Read: Foggy and wet start to the New Year. Meade served as interim chief beginning in July 2020 and was named as the permanent replacement in April 2021. Four people, including a juvenile, were found dead in a Brevard County home, according to sheriffs office. LLN spoke with Fewless attorney Ryan Andrews of Andrews Law in Tallahassee Thursday afternoon and Friday morning. 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 MOUNT DORA, Fla. Mount Dora Police Chief Brett Meade on Wednesday afternoon announced his retirement, the city said in a news release. READ: Mount Dora police release sketch of suspect in abduction. Born and raised in Lake County, she is a graduate of Umatilla High School and Lake-Sumter State College. Thomas Mates is a digital storyteller for News 6 and ClickOrlando.com. 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. Adam Poulisse joined WFTV in November 2019. 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 Chief Michael Fewless was fired for meeting with Lake Legal News. The state listed five aggravating factors in its reasoning, including that the alleged crime was "especially heinous, atrocious, or cruel," the victims were "particularly vulnerable" due to age or disability, and that the alleged crime was committed for "pecuniary gain,' or money. 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 the body camera video, we never hear the Sergeant tell Stevens why hes being pulled over, he approaches the car and immediately asks for his license and registration. "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. About a dozen residents showed up at the press conference to try to get some answers. Officials said she stole more than $19,000 from a cash register and left to location. 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.. 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. 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. Pat Blair said two police agents wanted them to look at a picture that they had of three people to possibly identify her. During the meeting, Fewless and LLN discussed working together to build a better relationship. 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. And my phone needs charging, can I come in and charge my phone?". VIDEO: Investigation provides insight into Mount Dora police chiefs sudden resignation Investigation provides insight into Mount Dora police chiefs sudden resignation. Brett Meade announced his resignation Wednesday, according to a news release. "They were enjoying their golden years staying active and spending time with their many friends. LLN works hard to build and maintain open and transparent relationships with all local public safety agencies to keep information flowing from the agency, to LLN and finally to the public. Police arrested the driver, who is the person of interest, on a charge of vehicle theft. When security went to the home of the couple identified by officials as 80-year-old Sharon Getman and 83-year-old Darryl Getman they found a crime scene and called police. 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. It appears it was a random crime, Gibson said during a news conference. >>> STREAM CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS 1:07. Copyright 2023 ClickOrlando.com is managed by Graham Digital and published by Graham Media Group, a division of Graham Holdings. By using this website, you accept the terms of our Visitor Agreement and Privacy Policy, and understand your options regarding Ad Choices. (When LLN arrived at Fewless office, Chief Robert Bell was leaning against a nearby wall and appeared displeased to have LLN inside the department.). 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. 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. Williams Death Penalty Filing by Sam Dunne on Scribd. 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. This station is part of Cox Media Group Television. Officials said the woman walked into the Walmart store on U.S. 441 on Sunday night and left with a load of cash. 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. Meade is the third chief to leave Mount Dora police since 2019. At some point, Williams allegedly returned, killed the Getman's, and then left in their vehicle. Her identity has not been released at this time. John Stevens will likely die in prison if hes convicted for any of the long list of felony charges he faces, including aggravated battery on a law enforcement officer, aggravated fleeing or attempting to elude, leaving the scene of a crash and driving while license canceled suspended or revoked. MOUNT DORA, Fla. After a little more than a year in his current position, Mount Doras police chief is resigning, effective Thursday. Video: Report notes toxic environment at Mount Dora PD: Whats being done to change that. She said the support she got from other teams was 'overwhelming. Hes been sitting in the Lake County Jail since he was released from the hospital last September after two weeks. Video: Report notes toxic environment at Mount Dora PD: Whats being done to change that Only 9 Investigates went over the plan to revamp the Mount Dora Police Department after it went through two police chiefs in a year. Williams is also charged with grand theft auto. 32 talking about this. In a press conference on Sunday, police said the couples deaths are suspicious and they will investigate the case as a homicide. 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. Michael Gibson, who was also helpful and offered his assistance in building an open relationship. 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. If you have any information, call the Mount Dora Police Department Criminal Investigations Unit at (352) 735-7130. 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. 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. Police in Mount Dora are investigating the deaths of a man and woman at a senior living community. Afterwards, Fewless introduced LLN to Patrol Capt. 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. Information about criminal activity in the community is a matter of public concern, and the medias relationship with law enforcement is as well. 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. Brett Meade announced his 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. (Andrews represented Fewless in a prior case involving retirement issues with another agency.). 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. 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. 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. [TRENDING: Woman runs into record books, beats entire field at Disney Princess Half Marathon | US Supreme Court denies Crosley Greens petition in murder case | Become a News 6 Insider], The filing, dated Feb. 23, 2023, seeks the death penalty against Williams due to the killings being especially heinous, atrocious, or cruel.. 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. 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. Since a medical emergency kept the couple from attending, the chief allowed a Hispanic officer to accept the award on their behalf. After being stonewalled and ignored by several officers, LLN called Fewless and expressed concern over the lack of communication. LAKE COUNTY, Fla. Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty against the woman accused of killing a Mount Dora couple at their apartment in December. Stevens was ready and waiting when Investigative Reporter Daralene Jones arrived in the visitors area at the Lake County Jail. Police officers responded to the complex later Saturday afternoon after the couple was found dead. Gibson said he believes the murders were a random act. He further explains he cant put his car in park, as the Sergeant asks. The Getman's adored the Mount Dora community, their children said, and have lived in the city for more than 20 years. Williams was found days later in Savannah, Georgia parked at an train station with the Getman's vehicle, police said. 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. Watch: 4th person dies after last weeks fire at Orange County warehouse used to store fireworks. About 10 minutes later, the woman walked back to the facility but was denied entry by security. 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. And the deputy Chief, Mike Gibson, who is now serving as interim chief, also signed off on the report. >>> STREAM MOUNT DORA, Fla. Police are investigating the death of a man and woman at a Senior Living Community apartment in Mount Dora. A manner of death was not immediately released, but police previously described the crime as "heinous.". Police in Mount Dora are looking for a woman who reportedly stole thousands of dollars from a Walmart. Stevens explains that hes having car trouble. 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. >>> STREAM CHANNEL 9 She has pleaded not guilty to all charges, according to online court records. On Thursday, LLN was tipped off to Fewless firing. On Monday, the Mount Dora Police Department said it received a call saying the missing vehicle had been found. 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