Search Results for: Florida

Florida couple arrested after ax-wielding robbery ambush

Orlando, FL
A Florida man and woman face multiple charges following an alleged robbery involving an axe at an apartment complex. Nicholas Lavallee, 20, and Anne Aksell, 29, are accused of robbery with a firearm, grand theft of a motor vehicle, battery in the first degree, and aggravated battery with a deadly weapon.

The incident occurred on Monday evening at an apartment complex on Emily Loop. The victim reported that he had been communicating with Aksell via social media and agreed to meet her at her apartment that night around 11:30 p.m.

Upon arrival, the victim encountered Aksell, who was reportedly dressed in lingerie. As he followed her up the stairs, Lavallee allegedly confronted him with a firearm, prompting the victim to flee down the stairs where two additional suspects awaited him, one allegedly armed with an axe and another with a knife.

The victim recounted being attacked and robbed of his cellphone, wallet, and car keys before managing to escape. He received injuries including a stab wound to his back during the assault.

Surveillance footage obtained from the apartment complex aligned with the victim’s account and contradicted Aksell’s claim that Lavallee sought to confront the victim for inappropriate behavior. Lavallee reportedly acknowledged plans to physically confront the victim, stating he was upset over perceived disrespect towards Aksell.

Both Lavallee and Aksell are currently detained in the Orange County Jail without bond. Their next court appearance is scheduled for January 5.

Florida woman sentenced for killing her infant son

Sarasota, FL

Lily Scheip, a 35-year-old woman, was sentenced to 10 years in prison for the manslaughter of her 14-week-old son, Dominic. The sentencing took place on Monday, December 29. Scheip was charged after an autopsy revealed that Dominic died from serious head trauma.

Scheip was found guilty of manslaughter in August. She was initially charged with second-degree murder when detectives determined the nature of Dominic’s injuries indicated foul play.

On the night of November 8, 2021, Scheip’s neighbor called 911 after seeing her run from her home with the unresponsive baby. Paramedics arrived and performed resuscitative measures before transporting Dominic to the hospital, where he was placed on life support.

Dominic was reported to have shown signs of head trauma and no brain activity. He passed away on November 11, 2021, and an autopsy later revealed multiple injuries including bruising on his head and a previous skull fracture.

On the day of the incident, Scheip’s husband was away while she was alone with Dominic and their older son. She reported that Dominic had appeared drowsy after refusing a bottle.

In a probable cause affidavit, Scheip admitted to having previously dropped Dominic from a recliner while burping him. Investigators noted that she was the only person who could have inflicted the injuries that led to his death.

Prior to trial, Scheip’s legal team successfully reduced the initial charge to manslaughter by demonstrating a lack of malicious intent. A judge sentenced her to 10 years in prison along with four years of probation.

At the sentencing, Scheip’s parents expressed their belief in her innocence. In contrast, her in-laws requested a harsher sentence, citing the lasting impact of Dominic’s death on the family.

The state’s attorney criticized the length of the sentence, expressing that it was insufficient for the crime committed.

Florida woman charged with murder of 97-year-old mother

West Palm Beach, FL A Florida woman has been charged with first-degree murder in connection with the death of her 97-year-old mother. Martha Jo Blake, 66, was arrested after her mother, Patricia Blake, was found dead at home on Tuesday.

An autopsy revealed that Patricia Blake’s death was a homicide, with indications of strangulation. Martha Blake reportedly told police she assisted her mother in ending her life at her request.

When deputies arrived at the scene, Martha Blake stated that her mother had been suffering from Parkinson’s disease and a thyroid disorder. Following the autopsy, evidence led officials to reassess the circumstances surrounding her mother’s death.

The medical examiner found details inconsistent with natural death, including a lack of post-mortem blood pooling. There were also several signs of violence present.

Martha Blake had previously stated that she and her mother discussed options for “death with dignity” with her mother’s doctor in Maine, who indicated that Patricia was not eligible due to a lack of terminal illness.

She told authorities that discussions on suicide had occurred but no lethal means were available at the time.

Martha Blake is currently being held without bond at the Main Detention Center in West Palm Beach. Her next court appearance is set for January 25, 2026.

Florida man charged in fatal shooting of teen trying to break up argument

Boynton Beach, FL A 24-year-old man has been arrested for the shooting death of a 17-year-old during a domestic altercation. Trenton Robinson faces second-degree murder charges with a firearm, according to court records.

The incident occurred on December 28 at a residence on Northwest Ninth Avenue. Josiah Jones was shot in the abdomen and later died at Delray Medical Center.

Witnesses say Robinson was picking up his son from the boy’s mother when an argument broke out. The 17-year-old attempted to intervene and separate the parents during the escalating conflict.

During the confrontation, Robinson and Jones ended up on a bed while grabbing hold of each other. At that moment, Josiah was shot.

Robinson was taken into custody at the scene. He reportedly said, “I f–d up. It was an accident,” following the shooting.

The mother of the deceased teenager told police she heard the argument and asked Josiah to intervene. After hearing a “pop,” she found her son on the ground.

Both of Josiah’s sisters provided similar accounts of the events leading up to the shooting. They described how Robinson attempted to remove his gun while stating, “get off me.”

The defendant maintained the shooting was accidental in a post-arrest interview. He claimed he was trying to secure the gun from his sweatshirt pocket when it discharged.

Robinson is currently held at the Palm Beach County Jail without bond. He is scheduled to appear in court on February 26, 2026.

Florida woman arrested for child abuse and threats to set ex-husband on fire

Fort Myers, FL

Krysten Ann Happel, 36, is facing charges for child abuse and issuing threats against her daughter’s father. She has been charged with one count of cruelty toward a child without great bodily harm.

The incident occurred on Christmas Day, when Happel allegedly sent disturbing messages and videos to a friend regarding her daughter. Law enforcement obtained a probable cause statement detailing the incidents involving the child.

In the messages, Happel referred to the child’s father in derogatory terms, expressing a desire to harm him. One message included a boastful threat to watch him burn to death.

Video evidence reportedly shows Happel abusing her daughter by battering her head and covering her face with a blanket. Police noted that the child’s young age made her particularly vulnerable to injury.

Happel also verbally berated the child during the incident, making disparaging comments.

A friend of Happel contacted the police requesting a wellness check on the child after receiving the troubling messages. This friend had previously offered to help the family.

Happel and her daughter were located at a Salvation Army branch, where authorities found the child in poor condition. The girl was “soaked in her own urine,” suggesting a lack of proper care.

During questioning, Happel reportedly admitted to the actions depicted in the video and confirmed she sent the threatening messages.

Happel is currently in custody at the Lee County Jail with a bond set at $7,500. Her court appearance is scheduled for January 26, 2026.

Florida woman faces lengthy prison term after infant death

West Boca Raton, FL

A Florida woman entered a guilty plea for the death of her newborn son. Bianca R. Desouza, 23, pleaded guilty to aggravated manslaughter of a child and neglect of a child causing great bodily harm on Thursday.

The case stems from an incident that occurred on May 2, 2022. At 4:56 p.m., emergency responders arrived at a residence in West Boca Raton following a call about an unresponsive infant.

The infant’s grandmother reported finding the baby unresponsive in Desouza’s bedroom. The child was transported to West Boca Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.

Desouza gave birth to the child in her bed but did not seek medical assistance after the birth. She reported that after holding the infant until he stopped crying, she left him on the bed while taking a shower.

Desouza indicated she was unaware the child had died until her mother entered the room. The mother reported Desouza had experienced significant stress regarding the impending birth and potential adoption of the child.

Desouza was released from a psychiatric facility on May 11, 2022. She later expressed regret and explained her confusion during the labor process.

The Palm Beach County medical examiner classified the infant’s death as a homicide due to asphyxia. The report noted that the mother did not attempt to reposition the baby during or after the birth.

Desouza’s plea agreement stipulates a prison sentence of up to 45 years. Sentencing is set for January 29, 2026.

Florida man allegedly shot ex-girlfriend’s father during dispute

Miami Gardens, FL – A man has been charged with second-degree murder following the shooting death of Yasmany Rodriguez Fernandez. Sylvester Grice-Jordan, 32, is accused of fatally shooting Fernandez after a dispute over a dog.

Police responded to the 3300 block of NW 177th Terrace shortly after 7 p.m. on Thursday. Officers found Grice-Jordan holding a rifle; he complied with orders to drop the weapon.

Fernandez was discovered dead on the porch with multiple gunshot wounds. Inside the home were the victim’s wife, stepdaughter, and an eight-month-old baby.

Fernandez’s stepdaughter stated she had been in a relationship with Grice-Jordan, and the couple had lived at the residence since April. Following issues with the suspect, Fernandez’s wife asked him to leave on December 15.

Grice-Jordan was asked to retrieve his dog after it soiled the residence. He came back to the home, causing an argument with Fernandez.

As the two men verbally confronted each other, both had previously been armed but did not hold the weapons. Grice-Jordan moved outside, followed by the victim, where another argument ensued.

Witnesses heard a gunshot, and Fernandez yelled for them to call 911. Surveillance footage captured Grice-Jordan demanding keys and counting down from five while pointing the rifle at Fernandez’s head.

Following the countdown, Grice-Jordan allegedly fired several more shots at the victim. He was taken into custody and remains at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center without bond.

A hearing is scheduled for Monday morning.

Husband sets wife on fire in attempted murder-suicide after divorce request

Ocala, FL A Florida man allegedly doused his wife in gasoline and ignited a fire at their home following her request for a divorce. Alfonza Green, 51, faces charges of attempted first-degree murder and arson.

Marion County sheriff’s deputies responded to the scene on November 30. Upon arrival, they discovered Green with burns and heard witnesses say he had set himself ablaze.

The victim reported that she was on her bed when Green emerged from the shower. She initially thought he was leaving until she felt something cold poured on her.

She confronted him, asking what he was doing. Green reportedly responded that if he died, they would both die together because they were married.

The victim attempted to flee and urged Green not to follow through with his threats. She realized he had poured gasoline on her just as he attempted to ignite a fire using a lighter.

In post-Miranda statements, Green claimed that he had poured gasoline on the bed due to feeling overwhelmed by life. He also alleged that the victim left the room before he ignited the flames.

There were six individuals inside the home, including the victim’s 11-year-old grandson. None of them sustained injuries.

Green was arrested on Tuesday and is currently held at Marion County Jail without bond.

Navy sailor arrested after shooting roommates in Florida

Clay County, FL A Navy sailor has been arrested after he allegedly shot his roommates during a dispute involving his wife. Taylor Lomax, 22, faces two counts of murder for the deaths of Jordyn Forrestier, 20, and Noely Makenda, 21.

Both victims were also Navy sailors living with Lomax. The incident occurred Wednesday at approximately 11 p.m. on the 4400 block of Hanging Moss Drive in Clay County.

The argument reportedly began between Lomax’s wife and the two roommates and escalated to a physical altercation. Lomax then allegedly retrieved a gun and fired around 30 shots, hitting both women multiple times.

Lomax’s wife called 911 after the shooting. Deputies arrived at about 11:20 p.m. and found the two women dead in the front yard.

Both Lomax and his wife were present at the scene and taken into custody. An individual claiming to be Lomax’s wife stated that Lomax fired the weapon in self-defense.

She claimed the roommates were disrespectful and became aggressive toward her. Lomax made his initial court appearance on Friday and is being held in jail without bond.

He is set to appear in court again on January 20, 2026.

Florida man arrested after dragging e-bike rider with golf cart

Marco Island, FL

A Florida man was arrested after an incident involving a golf cart and an e-bike rider. The driver allegedly “brake-checked” the rider, causing injuries and leaving the scene.

Witnesses reported seeing the victim fall off the golf cart and the driver continuing to drive away. The man was later located and arrested by authorities.

The victim was riding his e-bike when he encountered Steven Pickett, the golf cart driver. Tensions escalated when Pickett yelled at the victim to get out of the road.

The e-bike rider continued on and attempted to capture a photo of the golf cart’s license plate. As he did so, Pickett allegedly slammed on his brakes, leading to a collision that caused the victim to be dragged for 50 to 100 yards.

The victim yelled for Pickett to stop but was ignored, leading to multiple injuries. Responding deputies found the victim and gathered his account of the event.

Pickett later spoke with deputies, claiming he felt threatened by the speed of the approaching e-bike. He maintained his actions were in self-defense and insisted there was no vehicle ahead of him when he braked.

Though Pickett admitted to the impact, he stated he was too scared to stop. Reports indicate he left the scene to go to work without reporting the incident.

The victim received medical treatment at the scene and later sought additional care for stomach pain.

Pickett was arrested and charged with hit-and-run, leaving the scene of a crash involving injury. He was released on bond and scheduled to appear in court on January 12.