murders in citrus county florida

Multiple charges are pending in this case, which is still under investigation. During the search of the vehicle the following narcotics were located: Both Grimaldi and Turney were arrested and charged accordingly: This is just another prime example of how dull-witted individuals dealing illicit drugs are, said Sheriff Mike Prendergast. The victim was taken to Jessies Place, Citrus Countys Child Advocacy Center, for an emergency medical examination by the Child Protection Team (CPT). slide 1 of 1. Most of the names on the list of murders in Florida that can be found on the Florida Department of Law Enforcements unsolved cases website may not sound familiar; however, a few of the names on the list of all murders in Florida, list of Florida murders, and notorious Florida criminals have seemingly become household names across the state. 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. The homicide rate in Florida was roughly 5.2 per 100,000 population, according to the same data, meaning that in 2019, roughly 5 people per 100,000 were murdered in Florida. Share this page on your favorite Social network, This 64-hour academy offers criminal intelligence tools, strategies, and tactics for enhancing analytical research methods through two courses, Introduction to Criminal Intelligence and Connecting the. Total bondset at none, due to domestic violence related crime. Please join us in congratulating Deputy Spencer on her steadfast commitment to excellence in public safety and selfless service to our community. All throughout itshistory, Florida saw more than its fair share of Florida killers. Violent crime mentioned on this list includes: Between 1995 and 2011 there have been as many as 536 combined reported incidences of violent crime in Citrus County alone. Murders are much more common in Tallahassee, Florida, given its size and population, than in other Florida cities. As a Field Training Officer in the Court Security and Civil Units, she has imparted her years of knowledge and experience to a new generation of Judicial Deputies to serve the citizens of Citrus County. Lisa Nowak in 2006; Natalie Portman in the film Lucy in the Sky. He also served as team leader and supervisor for CCSOs Mobile Command Unit. Deadly drugs and those who deal in these dangerous substances have no place in our community.. (Citrus County, FL) On August 8, 2022, 35-year-old Kristopher Alan Hite of Homosassa, Florida, was arrested for Attempted Vehicular Homicide and Child Neglect as a result of a Road Rage incident. The Sheriffs Office has been conducting Active Shooter/Assailant trainings for many years in both the School Resource Deputy program and agency in-service training. The culprit? Over two weeks later, his head was found in a Florida canal, Time Magazine reported in 2016. Dawn McDonald (DOB 5/30/1969), Lecanto, FL- Violation of Pretrial Release Terms F.S.S. Cornelius began her career with CCSO on March 21, 2022. While citizens cannot join in on the run, they are still able to purchase the Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run (L.E.T.R.) He then kidnapped his youngest and final victim, 12-year-old Kimberly Leach, from her Lake City school and murdered her. 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. However, he broke out of the Colorado prison twice and in January 1978 he fled all the way to Florida. Teen indicted in Elkins slaying - Tampa Bay Times Retired Citrus County deputy shot and killed in Marion County - WTSP To learn more about what you can do to defend your family, contact us today for information on a Citrus County concealed weapons permit class. Anyone with information regarding is asked to call the CitrusCounty Sheriff's Office at 352-726-1121. Anyone with information is asked to call SW FL Crime Stoppers at 1-800-780-TIPS/1-800-780 . As Director of Region IV, she will oversee all programs in Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, the US Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico. Prior history of domestic violence. By clicking Sign Up, I confirmthat I have read and agreeto the Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. A week later, after about one hour and 15 minutes of deliberation, a jury recommended Couey be put to death. Today, Redman was formally arrested on the below charges and transported to the Lake Butler Correctional Facility: The immediate action and quick thinking our deputies demonstrated in this grisly situation speaks volumes to the rigorous training they undergo to serve our citizens, said Sheriff Mike Prendergast. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement has published crime reports from 1995-2011 that indicate violent crimes in our county. We will not tolerate this type of activity in Citrus County, said Sheriff Mike Prendergast. Florida -- At approximately 9:18 p.m. on Wednesday, February 6, 2019, the Citrus County Sheriff's Office (CCSO) arrested 41-year-old Kenneth Slanker of Inverness, Florida. (Citrus County, FL) June 8, 2022, the Citrus County Sheriffs Offices (CCSO) High Tech Crimes Unit (HTCU) is releasing the results of Operation Cyber Knights, a strategic undercover Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) operation to apprehend dangerous, cyber predators who had the intent to engage in sexual activity with a child. Upon contact, the suspect was observed holding another victim, with obvious injuries, as hostage. Couey held her captive over the weekend, during which she was raped and later murdered by being buried alive. Total bond set at $1,678.00. Bond $4,000. Performance & security by Cloudflare. In a study concerning criminals encountering armed resistance, some 2,000 felons incarcerated in state prisons across the United States provided information as to why they stopped their violent assaults. These trainings incorporate stressors and how they affect deputy and guardian responses along with tactical maneuvers and overall situational awareness. 741.29(6). Prior history of domestic violence. 847.0135 (3)(a), Unlawful Use of a Two-Way Communications Device 934.215. Get an all-access pass to never-before-seen content, free digital evidence kits, and much more! On August 15, 2022, the CCSO responded to a deceased person at a residence in Inverness, Florida. Aileen Carol Wuornos (February 29, 1956 - October 9, 2002) was an American serial killer who killed seven men in Florida in 1989 and 1990, claiming they raped or attempted to rape her while she was working as a prostitute. The Citrus County Sheriff's Office responded to reports of a domestic disturbance near North Andri Drive on March 30, and found the man, later identified as Lawrence Howard Worley, Sr., dead. The decedents body was turned over to the medical examiner to determine the cause of death. Upon further investigation by the CCDs, along with the assistance of CCSOs Intelligence Analysis Unit, detectives were able to identify the two suspects from the surveillance video as 68-year-old Steven Rodrick and 54-year-old Henry Hudson of Homosassa. Over the past few months, CCSOs TIU conducted another Deck the Cells covert operation to target drug dealers in Citrus County.During this operation, numerous undercover techniques were utilized resulting in. Best search engine for True crime stories | Mugshots.com The sheriff's office responded to reports of violent clashes outside of a Circle K convenience store on Sunday when deputies heard gunshots as they arrived on scene. Geller had been incarcerated for over two decades for Sexual Battery upon a minor. Joshua Fitzwater (DOB 11/28/1984), Homosassa, FL- Violation of Probation original charge of Possession of Paraphernalia. 790.23(1)(A). 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. The media extensively covered the investigation and trial of Couey. (NBC News) Tonight on "Dateline," investigators desperately search for a killer after Florida teacher Denise Hallowell is found murdered in her own . Most notably, in 2007, she was part of the CCSO team sent to Miami-Dade for the State of Florida vs John Couey murder trial, which lasted over six weeks. Detectives from CCSOs Tactical Impact Unit worked in conjunction with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives gathering evidence that led to the issuance and execution of this narcotics search warrant. It is my hope that Arnolds sentencing will finally allow the victim to begin the healing process.. Forcible sex offenses. He has uncovered illicit gambling houses, prostitution rings, marijuana grow houses, cocaine stash houses, and methamphetamine labs. At the same time, the management and security team at CoreCivic received similar information about the defendant. Following agency policy, the deputies involved in the shooting have been placed on administrative leave with pay, pending the outcome of the preliminary FDLE investigation. The units detectives identify, investigate, and infiltrate street-level to mid-level narcotics dealers and their organizations within Citrus County. Marty Taylor (DOB 1/27/1980), Homosassa, FL- Strangulation F.S.S. Baskin filed a lawsuit against Exotic after to taunt her he used aspects of Big Cat Rescue branding in his marketing. Detective Roscoe Watts, with the CCSO Major Crimes Unit (MCU), was contacted and immediately began an investigation. We are grateful to Detective Cornell for his unwavering commitment in solving some of the most atrocious crimes in our county, said Sheriff Prendergast. (Citrus County, FL) Yesterday, 36-year-old Russell Thomas Florence of Homosassa, Florida, pled guilty to Lewd and Lascivious Molestation of a Child under 12. In addition to Ramos being named as Coordinator of the Year, she was also sworn in by the Honorable Judge Richard Carter as Crime Stoppers Director for Region IV. The juvenile victim was interviewed by the Child Protection Team (CPT) members at Jessies Place, the Citrus County Child Advocacy Center. (Citrus County, FL) Today, October 18, 2022, Citrus County Sheriffs Office (CCSO) Sergeant John Bergen graduates from the National Public Safety Innovation Academy (NIA). Our office stands with Gov. Check out never-before-seen content, free digital evidence kits, and much more! Houston was arrested for one count of 3 rd degree murder and one count of aggravated battery by a person who is being detained in a prison, jail, or other detention facility upon visitor or other detainee. Jeremy Martin (DOB 7/18/1985), Lecanto, FL- Violation of Pretrial Release Terms F.S.S. Citrus County , FL | Crime Statistics | Neighborhoods | Gangs Couey put her in his closet and ordered her to remain there as he reported for work at "Billy's Truck Lot", which she did. Assessors will be on site from August 2nd through August 4th. from prosecutors. Cole is an example of how a predator can use social media to connect with a victim said Sheriff Mike Prendergast. Citrus County is very safe but one should always be prepared. This year, he was sentenced to 22 years in prison. Ex-girlfriend of Florida detention deputy arrested in connection to his Law enforcement officers from around the state carry the Flame of Hope in an intrastate relay of simultaneous routes throughout Florida, covering hundreds of miles. Both individuals were asked to step out and consent was given to search the vehicle. Tampa police will hold a community forum on Thursday, March 2, at the Martin Luther King Jr. Center2200 N Oregon Ave, Tampa, FL, 33607from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. to talk about violent crime and . I am extremely proud of the teamwork from the various law enforcement agencies that went into making these arrests possible and for knowing that thanks to their dedication, weve stopped these sexual predators from preying on children in our county and our surrounding counties.. Citrus County Sheriff's Office, FL During this interview, it was determined numerous instances of sexual abuse had taken place at a residence located in Crystal River, Florida, as well as at multiple other locations throughout the state. At around the same time, another male body turned. In total, ten arrests were made as a result of this operation. 741.29(6) and Violation of Injunction F.S.S. All burglaries occurred at commercial businesses after hours. Hite is being held at the Citrus County Detention Facility on a $15,000 bond for attempted vehicular homicide and $2,000 for child neglect, a total bond of $17,000. Total bond set at $2,000.00. Citrus Gazette | Citrus County/ Crystal River Florida News 784.03(2). Citrus County Crime Stoppers Aaron Matthew Smith, 41, Homosassa, arrested May 18 for possession of controlled substance and trafficking in 4-plus grams (morphine, opium, oxycodone or heroin). (The US average is 35.4) NOTE: The city of Citrus, Florida does not have FBI Crime Statistics. IN EACH FRONT-PAGE POST, THE HYPERLINK TO THE PRIMARY SOURCE IS SPECIFIED. 847.0135 (3), and Unlawful Use of a Two-Way Communication Device: F.S.S 934.215. It was relayed to the communications officer that the subject, a 31-year-old male, Cory Schweitzer had an apparent gunshot wound and was not breathing. Our office wishes Travis the best on his well-deserved retirement, said Sheriff Prendergast. 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.. The purpose of recognizing this month is to raise awareness of domestic violence issues and connect victims to those organizations working toward the common goal of ending the cycle of violence. Photo: Read 16 reviews. It is alleged that Couey had Jessica Lunsford alive in the trailer while Citrus County officials visited the trailer, that police dogs indicated Jessica was being held in the direction of the trailer and were ignored, that Citrus County officials actively pursued Mark Lunsford's father as their prime suspect while evidence pointed elsewhere, and that had Citrus County officials followed up on an outstanding warrant issued by Georgia, that Citrus County officials could have entered Couey's residence and possibly saved the child. Throughout the pursuit, Dailey briefly stopped the vehicle numerous times and took off after each stop. Greenough entered the bank, shortly before noon yesterday, where he approached the tellers counter and demanded money while brandishing a firearm. And when Anthony was found not guilty of her daughters murder. 741.31(4)(A). FOX 35 Orlando. If you have any information about stolen property or any other crime in our county, we encourage you to contact us as 352-249-2790 or by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-888-ANY-TIPS to remain anonymous. Images: Florida's 74 unsolved homicides - WESH (Citrus County, FL) Today, the Citrus County Sheriffs Office (CCSO) says farewell and Godspeed to Detective Travis Parsons, who is retiring after over 20 years of dedicated service to our community. Both suspects gave detectives a full confession and informed officials of where the stolen property was located. annual societal costs are estimated at $740 billion in overall healthcare spending as well as lost productivity and crime. Leon County, Florida, has a population of approximately297,400 inhabitants. The unit coordinates and assists other organizations and departments in combating street-level drug crimes. K9 Odie conducted an exterior vehicle sniff of the suspect vehicle and alerted to the presence of narcotics. Arnold was consequently sentenced to life in prison. , which dives into chilling and bizarre crimes across the state. She walked out of prison 10 days after the sentencing on July 17, 2011. These arrests came after the CCSOs Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team, with the assistance of the Hernando County Sheriffs Office SWAT team served a search warrant at 116 and 158 South Kensington Avenue, in Lecanto. A copy of the standards manual is available on the CFA website at www.flaccreditation.org under the standards tab. Various narcotics, drug paraphernalia, eighteen firearms (including three stolen firearms), hundreds of rounds of ammunition, body-armor, four silencers, an explosive device, and roughly $5,600 in cash from illegal drug activity were seized and turned in as evidence this afternoon. in Florida Citrus County. In simple terms, this indicates that 378 persons per 100,000 people livingin Florida were directly impacted by violent crime in 2019 alone. Gainesville Rippers String Of Coed Killings, Photo: Congratulations again to all of the graduates! Thanks to our deputies quick thinking and superior performance, they were able to protect our community from further harm.. Citrus County Charities Thrift & More 415 US Hwy 41 S, Inverness, FL 34450 +1(352)419-7900 Detective Snedeker recalled a vehicle matching the description being parked at a local motel in Homosassa. Instead of CCSO deputies discovering a possible party with loud music, they found plain evidence of this organized criminal activity, said Sheriff Mike Prendergast. On Monday, deputies responded to a home on North Andri Drive in Crystal River. Over Couey's objection, the trial court ruled that all evidence collected after the confession, including the recovery of Lunsford's body, would be admitted, as would incriminating statements allegedly made by Couey to investigators and a jail guard. Alas, seemingly there may never be a solid conclusion to the massive and growing number of Florida homicide and true crime stories in Florida. Drug users steal to pay for their addictions; their dependence tarnishes relationships with loved ones and can even result in their death by means of overdose. Eric Paul Clemente, 33, Floral City, arrested Sept. 19 for felony burglary of unoccupied residence and criminal mischief ($200 or less). Detectives compared notes and investigated every possible lead. He is a Sexual Predator in the truest sense of the word and has shown he is beyond rehabilitation. Murder plot ends with life sentences - Tampa Bay Times "Munns arrest could not have been made possible if it was not for the collaborative efforts of all the incredible professionals and advocates involved, said Sheriff Prendergast. Retired Deputy Steven Smolensky was shot and. Here in Florida, the Torch Run had its start many years ago as the Special Olympics Mileage Event (SOME) Run, when a handful of officers carried the Flame of Hope throughout the state in a grueling, non-stop run. His 20-years of commitment and selfless service to our community is a testament to the dedicated professionals that make up the Citrus County Sheriffs Office. Responding deputies were provided evidence supporting these allegations. (Citrus County, FL) Yesterday, 33-year-old Brodrick Larnell Houston of Inverness, Florida, was arrested by the Citrus County Sheriffs Office (CCSO) for the charge of murder. Lunsford was abducted from her home in the early morning of February 24, 2005, by John Couey, a 46-year-old convicted sex offender who lived nearby. Most famously, he became the host of Americas Most Wanted, a popular program that has led to the capture of many criminals across the country. 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. into the stories you've heard before, and encounter many others you haven't, in ways that actually help. John and Reve Walsh of Hollywood, Fla., along with a photo of their son Adam, who was taken from a store in Hollywood several months ago, appear before a House Judiciary subcommittee on Missing Children on Capitol Hill in Washington on Nov. 18, 1981. It was Exotic, however, who ended up behind bars for a murder plot. Deputies gave verbal commands for the suspect to release the hostage, which he eventually complied with. What happens if the police dont get there in time? I commend our outstanding team of professionals for their dedication and thoroughness during this difficult case.. Detective Ricci with the CCSO Special Victims Unit (SVU) immediately began investigating the allegations. Her story was even told in the 2003 film Monster, which won Charlize Theron a Best Actress Oscar. As deputies continued to check the home, they found the body of 77-year-old Lawrence Howard Worley, Sr. Officials said they are investigating his death as a murder. While speaking with detectives, Cohen admitted to the abuse and indicated he had observed the inflicted injuries prior to dropping the victim at daycare. The following individuals were also arrested and charged in accordance with Florida Statute 828.122 (3) (h), Fighting or baiting animals and/or attending the fighting or baiting of animals: Carlos Rodriguez Cortes (DOB 3-7-50), of Orlando, FL.

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