murders in citrus county florida
People who live in Citrus County generally consider the north part of the county to be the safest for this type of crime. Also among these organized lists are the large numbers of unsolved murders Tallahassee, Florida, which include the 1957 murder of Dorothy Thomas, the 2005 murder of Tony Pierrelouis, and the 2006 murder of Ali Iisha Gilmore, among many others. The remains of two dogs were also located under a tarp on the property and one puppy was found deceased in its own feces and urine, with no access to water. The units detectives identify, investigate, and infiltrate street-level to mid-level narcotics dealers and their organizations within Citrus County. At the time of his arrest, Gromling was already in custody at the Citrus County Detention Facility for drug related charges, About the Citrus County Sheriffs Offices Tactical Impact Unit: The Tactical Impact Unit responsibilities include narcotics investigations, street[1]level reverse stings, regular checks for narcotics in schools and traffic interdiction. Behind the area were several freshly dug holes containing deceased roosters with artificial fighting spurs still affixed to their legs. 7633 North Florida Avenue , Citrus Springs, FL 34434 +1(352)465-4225 Website; Key Training Center Thrift Stores . While this can never undo the harm done to this victim, I hope they will find solace in knowing Touchton will spend the rest of his life in prison.. . Hunter, 25, has a 4-year-old child and is more than five months pregnant. (Citrus County, FL) School Resource Deputy Joseph Faherty retires today from the Citrus County Sheriffs Office after dedicating nearly 24 years of service to our youth and community as a sworn law enforcement officer. Total bond set at $52,000. The National Apprehension Detail calls for agencies across the United States to participate in serving outstanding family-violence warrants. Citrus County Sheriffs Office deputies will be out in full force during the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign, said Citrus County Sheriff Mike Prendergast. BLOG; CATEGORIES. The below arrests were made: FELIX ABDIEL PINTADO BERNARD, H/M, DOB-02/12/1985, (TOTAL BOND $11,000.00) charged with: ANGEL ALBERTO SEDA WAYS, H/M, DOB-03/02/1994, (TOTAL BOND $117,000.00) charged with: JENNIFFER MEDINA LOZADA, H/F, DOB-11/25/1989, (TOTAL BOND $12,000.00) charged with: If you have any information about the illegal sale of narcotics or any other crime in our community, we encourage you to contact us at 352-249-2790 or by calling CrimeStoppers at 1-888-ANY-TIPS to remain anonymous. The Law Enforcement Torch Run has long been the largest grassroots fundraiser and public awareness vehicle for the Special Olympics program. I commend our outstanding team of professionals for their dedication and thoroughness during this difficult case.. The first juvenile victim also told the complainant that Guevara had sent explicit photos and videos to them on social media. (Citrus County, FL) On October 20, 2022, the Citrus County Sheriffs Office (CCSO) arrested 30-year-old John Dylan Gromling of Beverly Hills for first-degree felony murder as a result of unlawful distribution of a controlled substance (fentanyl) which resulted in the overdose death of 53-year-old Bruce William Payne of Inverness. Ramon Luis Castro (DOB 8-21-42), of Hudson, FL. As seen in Oxygens series Floribama Murders," the crimes in the Sunshine State get the whole country talking. Further investigation is ongoing to determine if any other suspects are related to this illegal breeding operation or if there is any connection to the previous case of cock fighting in Floral City. The peak occurred just three years ago in 2009 at 536 but the total violent crime index of the last year of reporting (2011) is not that far behind at 442. In 1979, Bundy was convicted of three murders in Florida and sentenced to death. Deputies gave verbal commands for the suspect to release the hostage, which he eventually complied with. Eric Paul Clemente, 33, Floral City, arrested Sept. 19 for felony burglary of unoccupied residence and criminal mischief ($200 or less). Citrus County, Florida - Niche We are thankful to have worked alongside him and wish him the best in retirement! According to the sheriff's office Sunday morning, deputies were dispatched to do a well-being check at a Homosassa home, where they found the bodies of girlfriend and boyfriend, Erin Cain Prost . In July 27, 1981, Adam Walsh vanished from a Sears in a Hollywood, Florida mall. We dont mean to scare you, but here in Citrus County alone, the statistics for violent crime indicate that our fair county is not free from the threats of violent criminals. Wuornos died by lethal injection in 2002. UPDATES: Get news alerts and updates in the free FOX 13 News app. In simple terms, this indicates that 378 persons per 100,000 people livingin Florida were directly impacted by violent crime in 2019 alone. Publix grocery store chain is a premier sponsor of both the Florida Law Enforcement Torch Run and Special Olympics Florida and will be providing healthy snacks and drinks for all relay participants. However, on September 30, 2009, before the sentences could be carried out, Couey died of natural causes.[11]. He entered Lunsford's house at about three o'clock in the morning through an unlocked door, awakened Lunsford, told her "Don't yell or nothing", and told her to follow him out of the house. With equity for BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and other underserved victims not prioritized in the true crime communitytogether we can do better. The professionals that work in our TIU, supported by our outstanding Patrol Deputies, are committed to protecting the residents of our great county. If youre hosting a gathering, make sure all your guests have a sober ride home. I have been a Deputy Sheriff in Broward County 27 yrs. This means that your chances of becoming a victim of any type of crime in Citrus . Detectives also observed evidence that tied Dlugos to at least one burglary scene. First responders arrived at the residence shortly thereafter and pronounced the victim deceased. The Behavioral Health Unit, specifically our Domestic Violence Unit, works diligently to reduce domestic violence across the county by working with our community partners like CASA, to intervene and stop the cycle of violence, said Sheriff Prendergast. He then set up a campsite near the University of Florida and murdered five students in a shockingly brutal manner, stabbing them repeatedly and cutting the nipples off two of the women. In 1976, Bundy was convicted of kidnapping in Utah and extradited to Colorado to stand trial for murder there. More famous Florida murders which have been solved include the 2008 murder of Caylee Anthony, Ted Bundys 1978 murders of Lisa Levy, Margaret Bowman, and Kimberly Leach, and the year-long murder spree of Aileen Wuornos. (Citrus County, FL) On November 14, 2022, Citrus County Sheriffs Office (CCSO) Intelligence Analyst Heather Ramos was selected as the 2022 Crime Stoppers Coordinator of the Year at the Annual National Crime Stoppers Conference held in Orlando, Florida. (Citrus County, FL) March 3, 2022, in the courtroom of the Honorable Judge Richard Ric Howard, a jury found 40-year-old James Touchton of Inverness guilty of Capital Sexual Battery on a Child Under 12 (six counts) and Domestic Battery by Strangulation (two counts). Although in comparison to the total county population the number of reported violent crime is less than 1% of the population, the numbers are still definitive. Citrus County has 16 open cold cases - Florida's Best Community Newspaper Our office stands with Gov. He even decapitated one and placed her head on a bookshelf. Additionally, during our search efforts, we discovered other individuals with active warrants or committing other crimes that we just couldnt pass up! Dlugos was charged with 10 counts of commercial burglary, 2 counts of felony criminal mischief, 2 counts of grand theft, 1 count of possession of a controlled substance, 5 counts of criminal mischief, 5 counts of petit theft, and 1 count of driving without a valid license. Their initial investigation revealed that Jonathan had contacted Dean for illicit narcotics, which she provided him on numerous occasions. Do any specific cases or names come to your mind when you think of famous Florida murders? Rodrick was charged with two counts of burglary to a structure and three counts of grand theft. ALL TRADEMARKS BELONG TO THEIR RIGHTFUL . The juvenile victim was interviewed by the Child Protection Team (CPT) members at Jessies Place, the Citrus County Child Advocacy Center. Bond set at $5,000. Anthony claimed her daughter went missing in June 2008 but it would take a full month for police to find out. (Citrus County, FL) February 17, 2022, the Citrus County Sheriffs Office SWAT team, along with the support of the Hernando County Sheriffs Office SWAT team, executed a search warrant at 6330 W. Carter Road in Homosassa. (Citrus County, FL) Yesterday, officials took into custody a serial bank robber, 44-year-old Jeromee Wade Greenough after he robbed the TD Bank in Crystal River. Looking further into this, according to the same page, roughly 36,831 of those cold cases have been solved, leaving around 19,064 unsolved homicides in Florida, and making the states homicide clearance rate around 66%. 784.03(1)(A)(1). We encourage all citizens to use this tool so they will remain anonymous and possibly eligible for a cash reward when reporting a crime. Nesmith, Susannah A. Both detectives and Animal Control Officers attempted to make contact with Munn, who had bonded out from his previous arrest, and were unsuccessful. As for Adam Walshs murderer, serial killer Otis OToole confessed to killing the boy in 1983. As soon as our team confirms the facts on what has transpired today, said Citrus County Sheriff Mike Prendergast, we will release more information. Bryan Robinson, Florida teen in murder case, now charged in separate in Beverly Hills, FL. A judge on Friday sentenced Scott Burnside to life in prison for his role in the 1990 Floral City murder case that left four men dead inside an old house off U.S. 41. On February 19, 2008, almost three years to the day after her kidnapping and murder, Jessica's father was represented by Jacksonville, Florida lawyers in a pre-trial brief filed against the Citrus County Sheriff's Office and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. Justice has been served today in Citrus County, said Sheriff Mike Prendergast. The SOME Run soon gained momentum, and law enforcement agencies from all over Florida became involved. CRYSTAL RIVER, Fla. - Citrus County deputies say a man who had just been released from prison five days ago is back behind bars, this time on attempted murder charges. Detective Missions quick and pivotal action in this case saved this child from further abuse at the hands of Florence. After a thorough search of the property, TIU detectives located: Over the duration of this investigation, a grand total of 8.98 kilograms of cocaine (19.8 pounds) a street-level value of $1,077,735.48 was seized from this drug organization. (Citrus County, FL) The Citrus County Sheriffs Office (CCSO) is proud to announce that we have received our 3rd consecutive Excelsior Accreditation Award from the Commission for Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation, Inc. (CFA). While speaking with the complainant, the suspect returned to the scene in his vehicle. Overall Niche Grade. This unit is also tasked with the investigation of technologically facilitated offenses including but not limited to forgeries, fraud, fiduciary crimes, breach of computer security, and social networking related offenses. The murder occurred several hours prior to the discovery of Thomas' body. As additional evidence was uncovered, collected, and analyzed, it became very clear that Cory Schweitzer, an off-duty Detention Deputy with the Marion County Sheriffs Office, was murdered. The B- grade means the rate of murder is slightly lower than the average US county. Citrus County Sheriff's Office, FL Prior charge of domestic battery and career offender in Citrus County. Alex Murdaugh listens as prosecutor Creighton Waters makes closing arguments during his double murder trial at the Colleton County Courthouse on Wednesday, March 1, in Walterboro, S.C. . The dark underbelly to life in Florida is on full display in. The dark underbelly to life in Florida is on full display in Floribama Murders,airingSaturday, January 7 at 9/8con Oxygen, which dives into chilling and bizarre crimes across the state. Fifty-nine roosters and hens were seized by CCSO Animal Control. Police found Nowak had brought along a steel mallet, a four-inch folding knife, a BB gun, garbage bags, latex gloves, pepper spray, and a black wig on her drive, according toa 2007 Los Angeles Times report. Deputies began searching for the suspect with the assistance of a K-9 unit. Both individuals were asked to step out and consent was given to search the vehicle. There is garbage everywhere. On July 12, 2022 the Citrus County Sheriffs Office (CCSO) was contacted in reference to a juvenile receiving sexually explicit social media messages from Geller. More notably, he has trained over 50 personnel in establishing emergency communications through two-way radio, satellite, and cellular connections. Every year, the Federal Bureau of Investigation publishes a Uniform Crime Report that details the crimes, crime rates, and crime locations in each state, county, and city, including Florida. How to Improve Your Concealed Carry Reaction with a 35 Card. This arrest stems from an altercation that occurred in September between inmates at the Citrus County Detention Facility, where Houston was in custody on unrelated charges. Twenty-eight reptiles (snakes, skinks, geckos, and monitor lizards) were also found to be kept in terrible conditions. She accosted Shipman in an airport parking lot and released pepper spray into her open car window although Shipman was able to drive away and get help. If you are the victim of burglary or theft, security systems and cameras increase the likelihood of developing leads to solve the case. Greater Wynnewood Exotic Animal Park in Oklahoma, a home to a number of big cats. During this investigation, Houston had remained in custody at the Citrus County Detention Facility for his previous charges. Detectives, with the assistance of Analyst Lori Cronshaw, learned the suspect didnt have a current driver's license. If you hear or see something, SAY IT HERE with Crime Stoppers! Upon arrival, deputies met with the complainant. Pat received a Ribbon of Commendation for his quick action in preventing someone from self-harm. Also, take the research that indicates that robbery victims who used guns in self-protection were significantly less likely to either be injured or lose their property than victims who used any other form of self-protection or who did nothing to resist and you may consider armed self-defense as your best protection. Detectives learned the suspect vehicle, a white GMC extended cab style vehicle, was observed to be in the area of multiple burglary scenes. A copy of the standards manual is available on the CFA website at www.flaccreditation.org under the standards tab. Marshals Service Florida/Caribbean Regional Fugitive Task Force, the combined law enforcement efforts resulted in the arrests of thirty-five men and women in Citrus County for an array of narcotics charges. In total, ten arrests were made as a result of this operation. Detective Slingerland and the members of CCSOs Tactical Impact Unit exemplify how our office will continue to support the Governors initiative on combatting the opioid epidemic in Florida.. It has truly been an honor to have had him as part of our team, and we wish him the very best in his well-deserved retirement.. 1 The Murder Of Caylee Anthony He developed a relationship online, and then travelled to Citrus County to take advantage of a juvenile. Of this group, CCSOs very own graduates were: Law enforcement personnel who aspire for a leadership position benefit greatly from this comprehensive, six-week-long program, which provides on-site education, specifically focusing on leadership, ethics, human resources, critical incident management, and other relevant administrative competencies. Detective Snedeker recalled a vehicle matching the description being parked at a local motel in Homosassa. 2023 FOX Television Stations, until SAT 7:00 PM EST, Pinellas County, Coastal Hillsborough County, Coastal Manatee County, Coastal Sarasota County, 'Ice cream man murder case': Michael Keetley set to go to trial again for 2010 double murder, Watch: Fishermen spot sharks in huge feeding frenzy off Louisiana coast, 3 shot, including 6-year-old girl, in Land OLakes home invasion, sheriff says, Here's what events are happening across the Tampa Bay are this weekend, 1 shot, killed outside Suncoast Credit Union in Seminole Heights, police say, 3 Daughters head brewer killed in Skyway Bridge accident, company says, Tom Sizemore, 'Saving Private Ryan' Actor, Dies at 61 after suffering brain aneurysm, 8-year-old girl who performed solo wins big in cheer competition after team didn't show up, From Coconut Road to Moose Tracks, here's the scoop on how Publix creates its ice cream, North Port brush fire: Roads reopen after fire forces closures on I-75; schools evacuate as precaution. Kevin Kelly (DOB 10/7/1983), Inverness, FL- Violation of Pretrial Release Terms F.S.S. Katlyn Obrien (DOB 6/6/1993), Hernando, FL- Failure to Appear original charge Battery. After successfully completing the academy, Deputy Spencer was officially sworn in as a Deputy Sheriff on September 1, 2001. HCSO said deputies were called out to a home . Man fatally shot; initial investigations indicate self-defense K9 Odie conducted an exterior vehicle sniff of the suspect vehicle and alerted to the presence of narcotics. However, when deputies attempted the traffic stop, the driver of the vehicle, later identified as 39-year-old Michael James Dailey of Lecanto, did not stop and led officials on a slow speed vehicle pursuit. Members of the United States Marshals Service (USMS) Fugitive Task Force located Arnold in North Carolina on July 25, 2020, where he was taken into custody for this warrant. Couey had lived at the West Snowbird Court residence with Dixon, her boyfriend Matt Dittrich, her daughter and sonin-law, Madie and Gene Secord, and her two-year-old grandson, Joshua. For 135 years, we have served selflessly, protecting the citizens of Citrus County since our . David Smith (DOB 3/30/1969), Hernando, FL- Failure to Pay Child Support. Thanks to his dapper good looks, charisma, and shockingly high body count. The assessment team is composed of assessors from similar agencies. And these werent his first killings. Total bond set at $27,000. Bond set at $5,000. Total bond set at $1,678.00. Detectives spotted the vehicle and members of the Tactical Impact Unit jumped on surveillance, tracking the suspects movement. Verification by the team that an agency meets the Commissions standards is part of a voluntary process to gain or maintain accreditation--a highly prized recognition of professional excellence. We are thankful for their courageous efforts in keeping our community safe.. In 2015, Detective Parsons authored a County Ordinance related to scrap metal that virtually eliminated copper thefts in Citrus County. Detectives interviewed Dlugos who confessed to 10 of the reported 11 burglaries. Soon he was caught on tape trying to hire a hitman (in reality an undercover agent) to kill Baskin, and was arrested in Gulf Breeze, Florida. On June 30, 2022, the Citrus County Sheriffs Office (CCSO) was contacted by the parent of a juvenile victim in reference to this case. . 6.6 lbs. Within minutes, the suspect was tracked to a motor home located approximately a quarter mile away. Runners will cover a distance of about 3 miles, traveling east along S.R. He then kidnapped his youngest and final victim, 12-year-old Kimberly Leach, from her Lake City school and murdered her. Fugitive nabbed halfway around world - UPI Archives To get ready for Floribama Murders, you can read up on the most infamous cases in Sunshine State history below. Citrus County deputies investigating murder of 77-year-old man 'Florida Man Murders': Most Famous Florida Crimes | Crime News In 1992, Wuornos was found guilty of first-degree murder in Mallorys murder and sentenced to death. Thanks to our deputies quick thinking and superior performance, they were able to protect our community from further harm.. However, during one of his short stops, the other passenger of the vehicle, identified as 61-year-old Betty Joan Hall of Lecanto, was able to safely exit. On January 14, 2022, CCSO deputies responded to a shooting in the area of East Dawson Drive in Inverness where they located victim Brenden Redman lying in a driveway with apparent gunshot wounds. Remember, Citrus - If you SEE something, SAY something! Dean admitted to supplying the decedent with narcotics on various occasions, specifically on the night of his death. Her story was even told in the 2003 film Monster, which won Charlize Theron a Best Actress Oscar. Your IP: In April 2015, he began his service as a TIU Detective. Dont give criminals an open door of opportunity. Once the hostage was safe, deputies ordered the suspect to show them his hands. However, his treatment of the animals enraged Carole Baskin, owner of Big Cat Rescue in Florida. In total, 56 dogs were found on the property living in deplorable conditions. [5] At the time, he occupied a trailer along with two women, about 100 yards (91m) away. Our office takes an aggressive stance in safeguarding our youth. According to CCSO, this appears to be an isolated incident. Donald Cash (DOB 10/11/1977), Homosassa, FL- Failure to Pay Child Support, Possession of a Firearm with an Altered Serial Number F.S.S. Operation Southern Slow Down is a collaborative effort by law enforcement agencies to detect and cite drivers for exceeding the posted speed. Cohen used the victim as a target for his anger and frustration, knowing they would be unable to fight back, said Sheriff Mike Prendergast. TAMPA, Fla. - The FBI has arrested a Citrus County man who wore a panda costume head while allegedly taking part in the Jan. 6, 2021 attack on the U.S. Capitol. As in past years, Citrus Countys runners and bicyclists will raise funds for Special Olympics Florida through the sale of commemorative T-shirts. Hopefully this arrest will bring peace to the victims family and be the first step in seeking justice for Houstons actions.. To get ready for "Floribama Murders," you can read up on the most infamous cases in Sunshine State history below. Some examples of the many solved cases include the 1988 murder of Rocky Taylor, the 1987 murder of Janet Marie Robinson, the 1990 murder of Sharon Gill, the 1978 murder of Carolyn Cox Rose, and the 1985 murder of Tonya McKinley, among many others around Florida. On March 7, 2007, Couey was found guilty of all charges in relation to Lunsford's death, including first degree murder, kidnapping, burglary with assault or battery upon any person, and capital sexual battery. She was convicted and sentenced to death for six of the murders and executed by lethal injection on October 9, 2002. The victim was interviewed by the Child Protection Team (CPT) at Jessies Place, the Citrus County child advocacy center. "Dailey showed a blatant disregard for law enforcement today, said Sheriff Prendergast. Throughout the investigation, TIU, in conjunction with CCSOs Intelligence Analysis Unit partnered with the United States Postal Inspection Service, United States Marshal Service, United States Department of Homeland Security Investigations Tampa Airport Division, United States Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations - Tampa Marine Unit, Hernando County Sheriffs Office SWAT team and the State Attorneys Office of the Fifth Judicial Circuit. Citrus County is where I plan to retire. Anyone having information about this case is encouraged to contact the Major Case Assessment Team at (850) 891-4462 or (850) 891-4745. Project: Cold Case, as well as many other local, county, and state law enforcement and investigating agencies have lists of unsolved homicides and unsolved missing persons cases listed on their websites. Crystal River man arrested for attempted murder 5 days after being While speaking with detectives, Cohen admitted to the abuse and indicated he had observed the inflicted injuries prior to dropping the victim at daycare. Read 16 reviews. Florence, who was at the residence when detectives arrived, was placed under arrest and turned over to the custody of the Citrus County Detention Facility. The 57-year-old woman was found dead in her lakefront Inverness home in July 2019. Citrus Springs is an extremely comfortable & affordable place to live in the Tampa Bay area. "The Abductions That Changed America", Partial transcript of Video Confession of Couey, "Convicted child killer Couey dies in prison, Florida officials say", "Local attorney plans suit on behalf of Lunsford family", "Mark Lunsford to reveal new details of his lawsuit in Jacksonville today", "Mark Lunsford's allegations announced and Sheriff Jeff Dawsy's response", "Lunsford's pain vivid in documentary 'Jessie's Dad', Court TV coverage of Jessica Lunsford case, Court TV coverage of Jessica Lunsford case (Archived), CASE NO. Defense for Couey argued that he had suffered from a lifetime of emotional abuse and had a below normal IQ, which would enable him to avoid a death sentence under a 2002 Supreme Court ruling prohibiting the execution of mentally handicapped people. Couey stated he did not have anything to do with the nine-year-old's disappearance and had moved to Georgia to find a job, only knowing about it from the television news. Ramirez, Jessica. If you see an impaired driver, dial 9-1-1. Contrary to what many believe, drug use is not a victimless crime everyones safety is at stake. Your First Look at the New Series Floribama Murders, Florida may be a hot destination for retired snowbirds, vacation-starved families, and spring break partiers, but its also home to some of the most notorious criminals and shocking cases in U.S. history like Ted Bundys sorority house slayings and Aileen Wuornos infamous killing spree. BLOG; CATEGORIES. All throughout itshistory, Florida saw more than its fair share of Florida killers. We are grateful to Detective Cornell for his unwavering commitment in solving some of the most atrocious crimes in our county, said Sheriff Prendergast. Emergency call centers and law enforcement agencies are recognized for meeting essential training and policy elements and demonstrating preparedness for responding to a missing child incident. (Citrus County, FL) On Friday, October 14, 2022, the Citrus County Sheriff's Office (CCSO) Community Crimes Detectives (CCDs) arrested two individuals involved in a string of burglaries that occurred at local churches and storage facilities throughout Citrus County. She has been instrumental in expanding the program and working to continually educate and encourage the public on how Crime Stoppers works as a tool to combat crime in our community.. Citrus County Charities Thrift & More 415 US Hwy 41 S, Inverness, FL 34450 +1(352)419-7900