murders in citrus county florida murders in citrus county florida

Nine-year-old Jessica Lunsford disappeared in the night on February 24, 2005, from her home in Homosassa, Florida. If you hear or see something, SAY IT HERE with Crime Stoppers! This program was developed by the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) and promotes best practices for responding to calls of missing, abducted, and sexually exploited children. Lunsford's body was removed from the ground and transported to the coroner's office, where it was recorded to have undergone "moderate" to "severe" decomposition. Rafael Rosado Lopez (DOB 3-20-62), of Hudson, FL. Although our deputies are always diligently looking to serve these warrants, Thursday and Friday was designated solely to gathering intelligence, chase down leads, and track offenders that have been eluding capture. As a result of this exam, the victims injuries were determined to be consistent with abuse. Subsequently, the victim was air-lifted to Marion County for medical treatment and was later pronounced deceased at the hospital. 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. Eventually, the relay came to be known as the Florida Law Enforcement Torch Run. Without a doubt, the most famous Florida serial killers include Danny Rolling, Ted Bundy, David Alan Gore, Gerard Schaefer, also known as The Killer Cop, Aileen Wuornos, Bobby Joe Long, and The Flat-Tire Murderer, who has remained unidentified since at least 1975. Picture the state of Florida and all it has to offer the gorgeous beaches, the near-constant sunshine, the family fun magic of Walt Disney World the bizarre and jaw-dropping crimes? Upon arrival, officials located Jonathan in his room, where he was pronounced deceased due to obvious signs of rigor mortis. Additionally, at the 2003 Florida Law Enforcement Olympics, Deputy Spencer won Gold in Team Bowling and took Silver in the All Events portion. When Cohen was dropping the victim off at daycare in the morning, a staff member observed Cohen acting strange. Do any specific cases or names come to your mind when you think of famous Florida murders? His actions put our deputies lives in jeopardy and that of our citizens. She was taken to a nearby hospital. Rolling broke into the residence of the Grissom family in his hometown of Shreveport and killed all three people inside: William, 55, his daughter, Julie, 24, and his 8-year-old grandson, Sean. After securing the residence and both individuals on scene, detectives proceeded with the execution of the lawful search warrant. This means that your chances of becoming a victim of any type of crime in Citrus . This is a horrendous case of an adult using a child for sexual gratification instead of protecting them, said Sheriff Mike Prendergast. The following arrests were made during Operation Rotten Eggs: Three of the arrestees listed here were also arrested during a previous operation, Deck the Cells back in December of 2021 those individuals are Nicole Mandat, Richard Harkleroad, and Corey Ross. Miranda stated that he has lived on the property for approximately eight months and has started raising his own roosters to send to the Philippines for rooster fighting. 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. More than 200,000 unsolved cases have gone cold since 1980, and murder clearance rates continue to drop. 44 to the Publix in the Crystal Springs Plaza at the intersection of C.R. However, while trying to render first aid to the man, deputies noticed his trauma was inconsistent with a vehicle crash and discovered he had a gunshot wound. Citrus County is in the 56th percentile for safety, meaning 44% of counties are safer and 56% of counties are more dangerous. Last Wednesday, while in her training academy at CoreCivic, TIU detectives in coordination with CoreCivics management and security team, entered the classroom and arrested Morgan. You can submit a tip in three ways: He uncovered and analyzed hidden data solving some of our most complex cases. Population 10,162. Orlando Sentinel. However, he broke out of the Colorado prison twice and in January 1978 he fled all the way to Florida. Cohen used the victim as a target for his anger and frustration, knowing they would be unable to fight back, said Sheriff Mike Prendergast. You may also contact Crime Stoppers of Citrus County at 1-888-ANY-TIPS to remain anonymous. Kenneth Hottes (DOB 4/01/1979), Ocala, FL Knowingly Transmit Harmful Material to a Minor: F.S.S. 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. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Please join us in congratulating Detective Cornell on his commitment to excellence in public safety and selfless service to our community for over two decades. After a 45 minute negotiation period, members of CCSOs SWAT deployed a flash-bang with little effect and eventually fired two less-lethal gas rounds into the vehicle. Daniel Redman was shot by deputies during a hostage situation and has been in our custody while receiving medical treatment. Over the course of this operation, officials from the Citrus County Sheriffs Office, along with our partners at the United States Marshals Service Florida/Caribbean Fugitive Task Force (USMS FCFTF), the United States Secret Service, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), Sumter County Sheriffs Office, Hernando County Sheriffs Office, Pasco County Sheriffs Office, Sarasota Police Department, and the Longwood Police Department worked collaboratively to capture these online child sex predators. The detectives worked closely with the Child Protection Team at Jessies Place, the Citrus County Child Advocacy Center, to obtain the statements and evidence needed to place Touchton under arrest. (Citrus County, FL) This past Friday, July 15, 2022, 49-year-old Todd Raymond Geller of Crystal River, Florida, was arrested for the charge of Sexual Battery on a Person Under 18 in reference to acts that occurred over an approximate two-year span at a residence in Homosassa. Dillion is being held at the Citrus County Detention Facility on a $72,000 bond. Dietrich passed away at the hospital later that night. See the section on interpreting the crime map, however, because comparing rates for crime or any other crime is not as intuitive as it may seem. 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. IN EACH FRONT-PAGE POST, THE HYPERLINK TO THE PRIMARY SOURCE IS SPECIFIED. We would like to thank our partners at the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (Homeland Security) Air and Marine Operations, and the U.S. Marty Taylor (DOB 1/27/1980), Homosassa, FL- Strangulation F.S.S. The SOME Run soon gained momentum, and law enforcement agencies from all over Florida became involved. Parents predators know how susceptible and trusting our children are, said Sheriff Mike Prendergast. Citrus County Charities Thrift & More 415 US Hwy 41 S, Inverness, FL 34450 +1(352)419-7900 Earlier this year Gov. A grand jury indicted Alexander Myers on first-degree murder and armed-kidnapping charges Thursday, giving the state clearance to prosecute him for . Detective Tony Ricci with the CCSO Special Victims Unit (SVU) was assigned this case and immediately began an investigation. Thanks to our deputies quick thinking and superior performance, they were able to protect our community from further harm.. Warrants are served for all types of family related crimes, including: domestic violence, interfering with making 9-1-1 calls, injunction violations, pretrial release agreement violations, non-payment of child support, child abuse crimes, elder abuse crimes and any other type of family violence. From there, participants and clients from the Key Training Center finish on to the Citrus County Sheriff's Office Operations building in downtown Inverness around 11:30 a.m. Our outstanding partners at CoreCivic, will then be providing lunch for everyone. Know that if you participate in any way in the cruel and inhumane treatment of animals, we will arrest you and make sure you are held accountable for your actions. Our non-emergency line is staffed 24/7 and can be reached at 352-249-2790. Evidence used throughout Leon County homicide trials is entirely based on the nature or severityof the crime. Rolling aspired to be as infamous as Ted Bundy. Those two addresses are both located on the same five-acre tract, where both homes were being utilized to traffic large quantities of cocaine. The victim was interviewed by the Child Protection Team (CPT) at Jessies Place, the Citrus County child advocacy center. Anyone with information about this case is asked to call the Citrus County Sheriff's Office at 352-249-2790, or to remain anonymous, call Citrus County Crime Stoppers at 1-888-269-8477. On July 28, 2022, the Citrus County Sheriffs Office (CCSO) responded to a motor vehicle crash that occurred near the 8000 block of North Suncoast Boulevard in Crystal River. Each year, this signature event highlights the law enforcement community's year-round support of the Special Olympics. "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. Anyone having information about this case is encouraged to contact the Major Case Assessment Team at (850) 891-4462 or (850) 891-4745. POLK COUNTY, Fla. A 19-year-old man has been charged in connection with a murder after he posted a song about the slaying, according to the Polk County Sheriff's Office. She was sentenced to four years in prison and credited time served. On April 20, 2022, CCSO deputies were dispatched to a residence off West Hudson Street in reference to a death. During her sworn law enforcement career, Deputy Spencer has been assigned to the Judicial and Juvenile Services Division working in both the Court Services and Civil Units. cotton short-sleeve shirts are $20.00, dry-fit shirts are $25.00, and womens cotton razorback tanks are $25.00. Help us eradicate illegal drugs from the streets in our community. Perform a free Citrus County, FL public arrest records search, including current & recent arrests, arrest inquiries, warrants, reports, logs, and mugshots. PUBLIC INFO. As soon as our team confirms the facts on what has transpired today, said Citrus County Sheriff Mike Prendergast, we will release more information. On March 14, Couey's half-sister Dorothy Dixon gave permission to police to search her trailer at West Snowbird Court in Homosassa. The suspect left the scene on a black bicycle heading westbound on Main Street towards Highway 581. Box 1489, Tallahassee, Florida, 32302, or email to flaccreditation@fdle.state.fl.us. The two suspects were arrested and charged accordingly: Ive said it before, drug dealers have no regard for the law and they have no regard for the life of others, said Sheriff Prendergast. As Gov. Both the East and West Community Crimes Detectives (CCDs) immediately began collaborative investigative efforts to identify, locate and hold the unknown suspect accountable. 847.0135(4)(a), Seduce, solicit, lure, or entice a child to engage in any illegal act F.S.S. Total bond set at $4,500.00. According to CCSO, 26-year-old Hunter Dillon, of Inverness was arrested on charges of Robbery, Aggravated Assault on a Law Enforcement Officer, and Resisting with Violence. Touchton was then sentenced to six consecutive life sentences for Capital Sexual Battery and two consecutive five-year sentences for Domestic Battery. The NHTSA recommends having a plan whether youre driving, riding, or hosting. October 20, 2022 Citrus County drug bust leads to seizure of guns, cash, $1M worth of cocaine A six-month investigation in Citrus County led to three arrests. Greenough entered the bank, shortly before noon yesterday, where he approached the tellers counter and demanded money while brandishing a firearm. Another predator has been removed from society due to the amazing work by CCSO detectives, the Child Protection Team, and the United States Marshals Service Fugitive Task Force. (Citrus County, FL) Today, the Citrus County Sheriffs Office announces its participation in Operation Southern Slow Down. The Citrus County Arrest Records Search (Florida) links below open in a new window and take you to third party websites that provide access to Citrus County public records. Circuit Judge Patricia Thomas . (Citrus County, FL) Today, we celebrate the many impressive achievements, valuable contributions, and well-deserved retirement of Citrus County Sheriffs Office (CCSO) Deputy Jannette Spencer, who is officially retiring from our office after 32 years of dedicated service. (Citrus County, FL) Early this morning, detectives from the Citrus County Sheriffs Office (CCSO) Tactical Impact Unit (TIU) and Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team executed a search warrant at 5023 North Bedstrow Blvd. Rolling was arrested for armed robbery around this time. This investigation is an exceptional example of what can be accomplished when different law enforcement and community partners work together to keep our citizens safe, said Sheriff Mike Prendergast. After a yearlong investigation, Citrus County detectives have solved the 2017 murder of 73-year-old James Thomas Roman of Lecanto. Deputies immediately secured the suspect and rendered first aid, until he was transported to the hospital for medical treatment. 847.0135(4)(a), and Unlawful Use of a Two-Way Communication Device: F.S.S 934.215. We will continue to target drug dealers in an ongoing effort to make our community the safest in Florida, said Sheriff Prendergast. Total bond set at $252,000. 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. Melbin Yamil Mojica-Torres (DOB 9-17-79), of Orlando, FL. Exotic lost the suit and soon owed Baskin a lot of money. 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.. There were also two dogs on the property with inadequate food, water, and shelter that were seized by CCSO Animal Control. On March 25, 2022, Detective Barry made contact with Cole at his residence in Polk City. Our office wishes Travis the best on his well-deserved retirement, said Sheriff Prendergast. CCSO has to comply with numerous standards in order to receive accredited status. 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. (Normally $49). Your IP: 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. 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. HERNANDO, Fla. - The Citrus County Sheriffs Office is investigating a suspicious death as a possible homicide after a man was found dead in a pickup truck in the woods early Thursday morning. A 30-something drifter named. CITRUS COUNTY, FL - A Florida man convicted for the 2017 murder of Ryan Michael McClellan is finally going away. Over her career, Deputy Spencer has received Certificates of Commendations, a Divisional Letter of Dedication, a Letter of Commendation, Perfect Attendance Awards, and numerous letters of appreciation from various judges, jurors, school groups, and citizens in our community. 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. While inside the residence, deputies noticed a white powdery substance in a line with a rolled-up bill next to it in the decedents bathroom. In April 2006, Deputy Cornell was selected as the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Detective, where he was instrumental in arresting some of the most heinous criminals, those preying on our children. Crimes in Florida 847.0135 (3)(a), Sexual Offenders Failure to Register; Electronic Mail 943.0435(4)(e)(1), Sexual Offenders Failure to Register; Telephone Numbers 943.0435(4)(e)(2), and Unlawful Use of a Two-Way Communications Device 934.215. Due to the incredible work by our SVU detectives, alongside the Child Protection Team at Jessies Place, Touchton was quickly arrested and remained in custody all the way through todays trial. Tallahassee, Floridas capital, is also one of the states largest cities. If you or someone you know are experiencing signs of domestic abuse and needs to file a report, please call us at 352-249-2790. (Citrus County, FL) In the early morning hours on Friday, March 18, 2022, the Citrus County Sheriffs Office (CCSO) Tactical Impact Unit conducted a traffic stop in the area of U.S. 19 and W. Yulee Dr. in Homosassa due to an expired registration. HERNANDO, Fla. - The Citrus County Sheriff's Office is investigating a suspicious death as a possible homicide after a man was found dead in a pickup truck in the woods early Thursday morning. 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.. 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. Todays seizure and arrests demonstrate our unwavering effort in stopping the flow of deadly drugs in our community. Following the interview with the victim, Detective Mission served a search warrant at Florences residence, located within Citrus County, where multiple items of evidence were collected. On August 15, 2022, the CCSO responded to a deceased person at a residence in Inverness, Florida. This conduct will not be tolerated in Citrus County, and the SVU detectives will work tirelessly to bring justice to these young victims.. Of crashes, 46% involved drivers who had been drinking, and 38% involved a drunk driver. He developed a relationship online, and then travelled to Citrus County to take advantage of a juvenile. While investigators were at the West Mistflower Place residence in Homosassa, they found additional property which had been reported as stolen from back in June of this year, from the Gulf to Lake Church in Crystal River, FL. Upon arrival at the residence, TIU detectives were able to locate two suspects, Joseph Singh II (DOB 06/29/1980) and Michael Guinan, Jr. (DOB 08/08/1987). 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. While failing to comply with verbal commands, the suspect retrieved a weapon, leaving the deputies with no choice but to deploy deadly force to stop the threat. Upon contact, the suspect was observed holding another victim, with obvious injuries, as hostage. In 1976, Bundy was convicted of kidnapping in Utah and extradited to Colorado to stand trial for murder there. The assessment team is composed of assessors from similar agencies. (Citrus County, FL) Today, we celebrate the well-deserved retirement of Citrus County Sheriffs Office Deputy Nancy Suto, who is officially hanging up her duty belt after three decades. While working full-time, Detective Parsons earned a Bachelor of Science in Criminology at Florida State University. Forcible sex offenses. Remember, Citrus - If you SEE something, SAY something! The Florida Department of Law Enforcement estimates that there were around20 murders in Leon County in 2018 and 21 murders in 2019. I am extremely grateful to my team and the outstanding staff at Citrus County animal shelter for saving these helpless animals, working well into the midnight hours.. As Hite saw the motorcyclist approach from behind, he swerved into the right/outside lane and struck the victim and his motorcycle, causing both the victim and motorcycle to flip repeatedly in the air violently. From the end of 1989 and throughout 1990, police found six men robbed and shot to death on or near well-traveled roadways. Agents arrested Jesse James Rumson, of Lecanto, Florida, on a long list of charges, including obstruction of law enforcement during civil disorder, engaging in physical violence in a . Congratulations to Jannette on her well-deserved retirement, said Sheriff Prendergast. We can fish and swim in a safer community. By 5 p.m. Friday, this outstanding effort resulted in the arrests of the following 20 suspects in Citrus County: Even though National Domestic Violence Awareness Month is ending, our fight against domestic violence is still ongoing. Her sensational trial featuring her defenses scorched-earth tactics against her family was watched by around 40 million viewers. CCSO joins law enforcement agencies nationwide that will maintain high visibility on the roads as we approach the Labor Day holiday weekend. Megan Thersea Stergios Megan Thersea Stergios, 29, Beverly Hills, arrested May 18 for two counts of failure to appear. 800.04(5)(a), and Unlawful Use of a Two-Way Communication Device: F.S.S 934.215. University of Florida students were turning up dead fatally stabbed to death, sometimes raped and mutilated. Additionally, Dixon and the other residents of the trailer claimed to have never seen Lunsford at the home or noticed anything strange from Couey's room, which had not been used since he was last there. Total bond set at $52,000. 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. in Dunnellon in reference to a disturbance and verbal altercation. Deputies began searching for the suspect with the assistance of a K-9 unit. Anyone with information is asked to call SW FL Crime Stoppers at 1-800-780-TIPS/1-800-780 . As the pursuit continued, Dailey attempted to strike several deputy vehicles and at one point, successfully rammed one deputys patrol car head-on. 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 . Leon County, Florida, has a population of approximately297,400 inhabitants. While speaking with detectives, Cohen admitted to the abuse and indicated he had observed the inflicted injuries prior to dropping the victim at daycare. Fabricio Oswaldo Aguilar Beccera (DOB 5/10/1981), Ocala, FL Travel to Seduce/Solicit Child in Sex Act: F.S.S. Carlos Hallowell, who killed his mother with an axe while she slept, wasn't eligible for the death penalty because. In 2013, an appeals court overturned two of the four convictions, CNN reported at the time. He then kidnapped his youngest and final victim, 12-year-old Kimberly Leach, from her Lake City school and murdered her. 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. In 2006, she won Silver in the singles bowling event and was part of a CCSO bowling team that took Bronze. 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. As deputies secured Hall, she indicated that Dailey was high on methamphetamine and had a firearm in the truck. About the Citrus County Sheriffs Offices Tactical Impact Unit: The Tactical Impact Unit responsibilities include narcotics investigations, street-level reverse stings, regular checks for narcotics in schools and traffic interdiction. Further investigation revealed the identity to be 24-year-old Renee Rosita Harris, of Ocala. into the stories you've heard before, and encounter many others you haven't, in ways that actually help. Total bond set at none. 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. He has uncovered illicit gambling houses, prostitution rings, marijuana grow houses, cocaine stash houses, and methamphetamine labs. His 22-years of selfless service and the many countless hours he has dedicated to seeking justice for victims in our community has undoubtedly made Citrus County a safer place to live. Violent crimes in Citrus Hills are 45% lower than the national average.