WILDWOOD, Fla. – A Florida woman is in a medically induced coma after being shot in the neck, in what her family says is a case of domestic violence involving her boyfriend.
Wildwood police responded Saturday night to a home on South Warfield Avenue, where they found Misty Dewalt lying in a driveway with a gunshot wound. A caller reported hearing an argument shortly before the shooting, according to investigators.
Police arrested Robert Morgan at the scene after they say he tried to flee by crawling under a garage door and jumping into a backyard pool.
Dewalt remains hospitalized in critical condition on life support.
Family members say the shooting has revealed troubling signs they believe point to a history of abuse. Some relatives were aware of issues in the relationship, while others said they had no idea.
“We were raised together as sisters,” said Dewalt’s cousin, Mackenzie Dewalt. “She is in critical condition on life support.”
Investigators say Dewalt’s mother described a history of domestic violence involving Morgan. Still, her cousin said Dewalt never spoke to her about any abuse.
“There are people out there who won’t say anything about it but will help you get away — and she didn’t say anything to me,” Makenzie Dewalt said.
Advocates with Harbor House of Central Florida say isolation is a common warning sign in abusive relationships, often beginning with emotional or psychological control that separates victims from friends and family.
They also warn that the period when someone tries to leave an abusive partner can be especially dangerous.
“Before you even try to get out, you can call or text us, and our advocates will make a plan so you can leave safely,” an advocate said.
Dewalt’s family described her as outspoken and fearless, and said she has strong support as she is a mother, friend, and someone special to loved ones as she fights for her life.
“It can happen to anybody,” Makenzie Dewalt said. “We don’t really know what is going on next door until sometimes it’s too late.”
An event is being planned in Dewalt’s honor as the community rallies around her.
Authorities have not released additional details about charges in the case.
“It can happen to anybody,” Makenzie said. “We don’t really know what’s going on next door until sometimes it’s too late.”
Morgan is being held at the Sumter County Jail on no bond, he is facing multiple charges, including attempted homicide. His next court date is scheduled for June.
An event is now being planned in Dewalt’s honor as loved ones rally around her recovery.
How to find help for domestic violence survivors
If you need help getting out of an abusive situation, or getting help for someone you care about, you can call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or text “START” to 88788. You can also go to the hotline website and chat with a representative.
You can also find domestic violence shelters and groups in almost every Central Florida county:
BREVARD COUNTY
Domestic violence victim services through the Brevard County Clerk of Courts website
Serene Harbor: 321-726-8282
Women’s Center of Brevard: 321-607-6811
Salvation Army Brevard County Domestic Violence Program: 321-631-2764
FLAGLER COUNTY
Domestic violence victim services through the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office website
Family Life Center: 386-437-3505
LAKE COUNTY
Haven of Lake and Sumter Counties: 352-753-5800
MARION COUNTY
Casa Marion: 352-722-CASA(2272)
Ocala Police Department Victims Advocate Unit website
ORANGE
Harbor House of Central Florida: 407-886-2856
Nuevo Sendero: 407-332-6200
Victim Service Center of Central Florida: 407-254-9415
OSCEOLA
Help Now of Osceola: 407-847-8562
Nuevo Sendero: 407-332-6200
POLK
Peace River Center: 863-386-1167
SEMINOLE
SafeHouse of Seminole County: 407-330-3933
Additional resources on the Seminole County government website
SUMTER
Haven of Lake and Sumter Counties: 352-753-5800
VOLUSIA
Domestic Abuse Council of Volusia County: 386-257-2297
Family Life Center: 800-503-7621
Nuevo Sendero: 407-332-6200