New initiative aims to increase reward for murder tips
ORLANDO, Fla. – Florida’s attorney general met with local law enforcement leaders on Wednesday to announce an increase in award money for anonymous tips in murder cases. AdReward payouts are made through anonymous crime reporting organizations like Crimeline, which partners with local law enforcement agencies. “Anytime that we can have an increase reward, is only going to increase the amount of tips that we receive,” Orange County Sheriff John Mina said. Moody said it would remain for the foreseeable future, but may be reevaluated down the road based on available funds. Anyone with information that can help law enforcement solve a crime is urged to call 1-800-423-TIPS (8477) or visit crimeline.org.
Orlando police officers become problem solvers as they address complaints, concerns
Jonathan Bigelow oversees OPD’s Special Enforcement Division. “They have nothing to focus on but the assignments we give them and the complaints that come down,” Bigelow said. “TWO FOR TWO: The Special Enforcement Division heard from citizens concerned about drug activity in 2 areas near Millenia and Downtown. Last week, several citizen complaints about an apartment on Raleigh Street uncovered drugs, cash, a handgun, and ammunition, among other items,” read another. Last week, several citizen complaints about an apartment on Raleigh Street uncovered drugs, cash, a handgun, and ammunition, among other items.
Video shows gunman wanted in fatal Mount Dora store shooting
MOUNT DORA, Fla. – Mount Dora police on Wednesday released video of a gunman who they say shot two store owners, killing one of them, during a robbery. Video from outside the store shows a gunman wearing dark clothing forcing Trinh back into the store, where the robbery and shooting occurred, police said. No one else was in the store at the time of the shooting, Meade said. The armed robber is then seen on video leaving the store while carrying a white bag. T&N Market was called a staple of the northeast community, and authorities referred to the store owners as pillars of Mount Dora.
‘We are tired of talking:’ Community leaders bring proposals to stop violence
ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – More than 30 community leaders packed inside a room at The Experience Christian Center Thursday morning to find solutions on how to stop the violence in Orange County. [RELATED: Crimeline still seeking tips in deaths of 14-year-old, 3-year-old killed]This comes after one week after 14-year-old Denis Atkinson was shot and killed in a drive-by shooting in Orange County last week. Today was a real meeting of pulling a lot of individuals together.”McRae showed proposals brought by the leaders. One of them is a proposal to reduce gun violence in Orange County. After the meeting, Orange County Sheriff John Mina said he is committed to working with the community leaders.
Cash reward for info on Belle Isle mother of 3 reported missing
BELLE ISLE, Fla. – A 50-year-old Belle Isle woman was reported missing by her family earlier this week and police are seeking the public’s help in locating the endangered adult. Belle Isle police said Stephanie Chitwood Hollingsworth, 50, was last seen on Friday at her home on Monet Avenue. Belle Isle police said Stephanie last made a debit card transaction at the Bank of America at Hoffner Avenue and Goldenrod Road just before 2 p.m. Friday. 2000 Silver Chevrolet Tahoe Stephanie Hollingsworth was driving before she was reported missing near Belle Isle. 50-year-old Stephanie Hollingsworth has been reported missing since September 25, 2020.
Crimeline still seeking tips in deaths of 14-year-old, 3-year-old killed
Days later, deputies say 3-year-old Daquan Felix Jr. was also shot and killed in a drive-by shooting. Because of that, the Executive Director of the Central Florida Crimeline Barb Bergin is pleading for that one tip that can help solve either case. “We have seen an increase in tips,” Bergin said Monday. Community activist and local Bishop Kelvin Cobaris said in many cases, the community doesn’t trust coming forward with tips or leads. "Questions that come up for Crimeline is, ‘After I report this will the state later call me to be a witness?
Reward increases to $20,000 for information about shooting deaths of 3-year-old, 14-year-old
The rewards for information about the persons behind the drive by shootings earlier this week that killed a 3-year-old boy and a 14-year-old boy are now up to $20,000. The first of the two shootings happened around 11 p.m. Monday and left 14-year-old Evans High School student Dennis Joshua Atkinson dead, according to the Orange County Sheriff’s Office. Orange County Sheriff John Mina said the two shootings are tied to an ongoing gang feud in the area. Initially, the Crimeline reward for information about the shootings was $5,000, but the sheriff’s office said with a donation from the Florida Sheriff’s Association Criminal Apprehension Assistance Program and an additional donation from the sheriff’s office, the reward is now $20,000 each for both shootings. We need you to help us get those violent criminals off the streets of our county.”Anyone with information about the shootings can call Crimeline at 800-423-TIPS.
Vigil for 3-year-old killed in drive-by shooting canceled out of safety concerns
ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – A vigil scheduled to remember a three-year-old shot and killed in a drive-by shooting was abruptly canceled on Thursday out of concerns about safety. Orange County sheriff’s investigators said the three-year-old was killed on Tuesday night. [TRENDING: Gang feud leaves 3-year-old dead | Man steals cat blood from clinic | How can I tell difference between flu and COVID-19?] Rowe said she hoped to remember the child at the vigil, but instead, she was getting in her car to leave when it was canceled. “This young lady is trying to bury her son.
Reward offered fatal shooting in Orange County
ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. Deputies with the Orange County Sheriffs Office are still seeking more information in the murder of Herique Jean. The Orange County Sheriffs Office said around 3:52 p.m. on Saturday deputies responded the 700 block of 20th street in reference to a shooting. Deputies said when they got to the location, Jean, also known as Eric Jean was pronounced dead at the scene. Anyone with information on the shooting is asked to call Crimeline at 800-423-TIPS. Crimeline said if your information leads to an arrest you may be eligible for a reward.