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Tag: APP Crime

  • 5 injured after high-speed chase along I-4 in Polk County

    5 injured after high-speed chase along I-4 in Polk County

    POLK COUNTY, Fla. — A high-speed chase along Interstate 4 ended with a multi-vehicle crash that injured five people, officials with the Florida Highway Patrol said Friday morning.

    The chase caused an overnight closure and major backup on I-4 until 7:30 a.m. Friday. 

    What You Need To Know

    • Camry traveling 130 mph on I-4 hit two tracker trailers, causing a major overnight closure until Friday morning

    • Troopers said the impact caused the Camry to split into several pieces

    • 5 people, including two men in the Camry, were injured

    • FHP found $5,000 in cash and several pounds of marijuana inside the Camry

    Around midnight, troopers said they spotted a Camry going 104 mph. When they tried to stop the driver, the vehicle sped off, reaching speeds of 130 mph.

    The Camry continued westbound until it reached a construction zone near the 27 milepost where all but the left lane was closed. FHP said the vehicle entered the closed portion of the roadway and collided with two tractor trailers.

    The impact caused the Camry to split into several pieces, ejecting the two men inside from the vehicle.

    (FHP)

    Portions of the Camry struck a Subaru traveling westbound through the area.

    FHP said both occupants of the Camry — a 37-year-old man from Tampa and a 30-year-old man from Port Charlotte — suffered serious injuries.

    The drivers of the two tractor trailers — a 62-year-old man and a 48-year-old man — and the driver of the Subaru, a 43-year-old female, all suffered minor injuries.

    Troopers found nearly $5,000 in cash and several pounds of marijuana inside the Camry.

    The investigation remains ongoing. 

    (FHP)

    Spectrum News Staff

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  • 74-year-old Ohio woman charged in armed robbery was scam victim, family says

    74-year-old Ohio woman charged in armed robbery was scam victim, family says

    BUTLER COUNTY, Ohio — A 74-year-old woman charged in the armed robbery of an Ohio credit union last week is a victim of an online scam who may have been trying to solve her financial problems, according to her relatives.

    What You Need To Know

    • Relatives say a 74-year-old woman charged in the armed robbery of a credit union in Ohio last week is a victim of an online scam who may have been trying to solve her financial problems

    • Ann Mayers, who had no previous run-ins with the law, faces counts of aggravated robbery with a firearm and tampering with evidence stemming from Friday’s robbery in Fairfield Township, north of Cincinnati

    • She remains jailed on $100,000 bond pending an initial court appearance and court records don’t list an attorney for her

    • Mayers was arrested at her Hamilton home shortly after the robbery, and Fairfield police say officers found a handgun in her car that they think was used in the robbery

    Ann Mayers, who had no previous run-ins with the law, faces counts of aggravated robbery with a firearm and tampering with evidence in Friday’s robbery in Fairfield Township, north of Cincinnati. She remains jailed on $100,000 bond pending an initial court appearance, and court records don’t list an attorney for her.

    Officers arrested Mayers at her Hamilton home shortly after the robbery, Fairfield police said in a Facebook post. A handgun was found in her car, which police said she used in the robbery.

    Authorities have since learned Mayers may have been a scam victim. Her relatives told detectives that she had been sending money to an unidentified individual, The Columbus Dispatch reported Wednesday.

    “In that aspect, some may see her as a ‘victim,’” Sgt. Brandon McCroskey told the newspaper. “Unfortunately, Ann chose to victimize several other people in the bank by robbing it with a firearm as a remedy for her situation.”

    If what her relatives say is true, McCroskey called Mayers’ situation “very sad and unfortunate.” He said she reportedly spoke with family members about robbing banks in the days leading up to the holdup, but they didn’t take her comments seriously.

    Cody Thompson

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  • Two teens dead in apparent murder-suicide, Pinellas Co. Sheriff’s Office says

    Two teens dead in apparent murder-suicide, Pinellas Co. Sheriff’s Office says

    PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. — Two teenagers are dead in what the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office says appears to be a murder-suicide.

    What You Need To Know

    • Pinellas County Sheriff’s deputies said a 17-year-old-boy shot a 14-year-old girl and then turned the gun on himself at a home on Grove Park Avenue North in an unincorporated area of St. Petersburg

    • Deputies believe a group of teens gathered at the home, consumed alcohol and drugs during the day, and at some point that evening, the 17-year-old located a gun belonging to the homeowner

    • Deputies said the four teens were playing with the gun and taking pictures with it, when an argument started between the group

    • It’s not clear if any charges have been filed

    The incident happened at a home on Grove Park Avenue North in an unincorporated area of St. Petersburg, near Lealman.

    Officials said around 8:45 p.m. last night, a 17-year-old-boy shot a 14-year-old girl and then turned the gun on himself.

    The preliminary investigation shows the 17-year-old was dog sitting at a home when he invited an 18-year-old friend and two teen girls he had recently met on social media.

    Deputies believe the group consumed alcohol and drugs during the day, and at some point that evening, the 17-year-old located a gun belonging to the homeowner. 

    Deputies said the four teens were playing with the gun and taking pictures with it, when an argument started between the group.

    That’s when investigators say the 17-year-old pointed the gun at the 14-year-old’s head, shooting and killing her.

    The 17-year-old then shot himself in the head.

    It’s not clear if any charges have been filed.

    This is a developing story. Follow Spectrum Bay News 9 on air, online, and with our app for the latest updates.

     

    Spectrum News Staff

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  • St. Petersburg shooting leaves 1 dead, teenager hurt

    St. Petersburg shooting leaves 1 dead, teenager hurt

    ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — One person is dead and another is injured after a shooting in St. Petersburg Saturday afternoon.

    Police identified the victim as 21-year-old Marcus Rivers. The other person injured is 17 years old and expected to survive.

    Police say the shooting happened around the 100 Block of 80th Avenue Northeast near Riverside Drive.

    St. Petersburg Police Assistant Chief Anthony Gilliam says they believe the shooting is not a random act and it’s unclear why the two were targeted.

    “We have no reason to believe that the residents in the area are in any sort of danger,” said Gillam. “We have no reason to believe the suspects are still present in the area.”

    There’s still information that police say they’re working to figure out including a possible motive.

    Police have not clarified if they’re looking for one or multiple suspects.

    Anyone with information or possible surveillance video is asked to contact the St. Petersburg Police Department.

    Spectrum News Staff

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  • Police raid suspected gambling operations in Charlotte and Raleigh

    Police raid suspected gambling operations in Charlotte and Raleigh

    CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Photos shared by police show a dark room with neon lights, crowded with chairs around gaming tables. Police, along with state and federal officers, raided illegal gaming arcades in Raleigh and around the Charlotte area, according to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department.

    What You Need To Know

    • The raids happened in Charlotte, Raleigh, Gastonia and Matthews, producing over 800 charges
    • The illegal fish arcades consist of games where customers are given credits for winning, which they’ll later trade-in for cash
    • In Charlotte, law enforcment seized 177 gaming stations, $18,000 and two guns

    The warrants to search the properties included 800 different charges for people accused of illegal gambling in the Charlotte area, according to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department.

    The illegal fish arcades consist of games where customers are given credits for winning, which they’ll later trade in for cash, police said.

    Locations of Charlotte-based raids included the 4800 block of Albermarle Road and the 5000 block of Providence Road Law enforcement seized 177 gaming stations, $18,000 and two guns. Raleigh’s raid was on the 3000 block of Wilmington Street.

    “Often the most vulnerable members of our communities are targeted to gamble at these locations. We are very thankful for our local, state and federal law enforcement partners to help us send a message that we will not tolerate these establishments preying on our citizens,” said CMPD Chief Johnny Jennings.

    Khalil Okasha was arrested and charged with gambling-related crimes.

    A group of others face different charges as well. In a release, it was reported that Mecklenburg County filed 496 charges and Gastonia filed 304 charges.

    “Apparently, these suspects never heard the adage that crime doesn’t pay, but thanks to this investigation they will learn that lesson and face the consequences of their criminal actions,” said Kyle Burns, acting Special Agent in Charge of HSI Charlotte that covers North and South Carolina.

    Daniel Gray

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  • Missing person identification gives hope to other Tampa Bay cases

    Missing person identification gives hope to other Tampa Bay cases

    TAMPA, Fla. — Last week, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office alongside the Polk County Sheriff’s Office were able to bring closure to the family of Kelly Vazquez.

    What You Need To Know

    • The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office said in a missing persons case update, the remains found in September of 2023 were that of Kelly Vazquez, who had been missing since 2021
    • The case is revitalizing hope for Canitha Taylor, whose daughter, Cieha, went missing in 2020
    • She runs a Facebook page giving updates on her daughter’s case and other missing persons cases

    According to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, remains were found in September of last year. Those remains were later identified as that of Vazquez, who was deemed missing since 2021.

    The discovery is helping to bring hope to many other cases in Hillsborough County.

    One of those cases is that of Cieha Taylor. Her mother, Canitha Taylor, said her daughter was fun, loving and had a contagious smile.

    It’s been four years since her daughter was last seen in Plant City.

    On Feb. 6, 2020 Cieha was at a home with her boyfriend. Later that evening, her car was found on railroad tracks in Plant City.

    The car was abandoned, left running with the door open. Cieha’s phone was on the ground, her wallet still inside the car.

    “It feels like you separate yourself from reality,” Canitha said of the aftermath of her daughter’s disappearance. “Everything is going in slow motion and fast forwarding at the same time. It’s a nightmare.”

    According to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, the case is still open and active.

    Canitha says since then they haven’t given up their hope to see Cieha again.

    “We’ll retell the story of what happened and just keep her name out there so that it stays in people’s minds,” she said.

    Through a Facebook page known as Finding Cieha, the family shares updates about her disappearance and that of other young women in Hillsborough County.

    The family has even offered a $10,000 reward to anyone who might know where Cieha is.

    “To not know, the not knowing is worse,” said Canitha.

    Now, as she holds on to memories with her daughter, Canitha says she’s thankful for the community support that’s kept her going through this dark time.

    The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office says every contribution, no matter how small, plays a pivotal role in bringing closure to families and ensuring a swift resolution.

    Lizbeth Gutierrez

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  • Family of man left paralyzed while in St. Pete police custody files lawsuit

    Family of man left paralyzed while in St. Pete police custody files lawsuit

    TAMPA, Fla. — A federal civil rights complaint was filed Monday against the city of St. Petersburg and two St. Pete police officers, for what one victim’s family says was an unlawful arrest and in their words, brutality.

    What You Need To Know

    • Elsa Hernandez filed a lawsuit against the city of St. Petersburg and two police officers

    • The civil rights complaint was filed for her brother Heriberto Sanchez-Mayen after Elsa says his unlawful arrest led to him becoming quadriplegic

    • St. Petersburg Police Department released a statement saying they deny the claims made

    The incident happened back in June of last year, and relatives of Heriberto Sanchez-Mayen say it left him with a severe cervical spinal injury that required both his legs to be amputated. 

    Now his sister is speaking out along with her attorneys.

    “It was very bad to see my brother like this,” Elsa Hernandez said.

    Through tears, Hernandez details the moment she saw her brother in the hospital after what she says was brutal treatment from St. Petersburg police officers.

    Now, she says, “He is unable to work and unable to take care of himself. I would like to see justice done and hope no one ever has to go through the pain my brother has been put through.”

    Video provided by St. Petersburg police shows what unfolded June 8 when the police were called about someone trespassing on property.

    The video shows Mayen being taken into custody and put in a police transport van.

    At one point, Mayen can be seen without any restraints or a seatbelt, falling over and hitting his head after an abrupt stop.

    Once the van stopped, you see one of the officers trying to wake Mayen, who is unconscious, before seeing an officer drag him out of the van by his ankles. The officers then tried to provide further assistance and performed CPR outside of the vehicle.

    The attorney on this case, Thomas Scolaro, said at the time of the arrest, Mayen was cooperative.

    “What happened to Heriberto is cruel. Rather than simply give him a ticket, they belly chain this man so he couldn’t protect himself and move his hands or arms,” said Scolaro.

    The St. Petersburg Police Department responded to this incident, saying, “They deny the claims and trust in the judicial process.”

    Elsa said this incident has changed not only her brother’s life but her whole family’s life. “In less than five days, he has two big surgeries. One for the spinal cord and the other one for the amputation, for his legs.”

    Now, she says her brother is in a rehabilitation center.

    Mayen does have several prior arrests for trespassing and open containers, according to officials. His attorneys say they’re waiting on a court date and will look into police department processes of handling cases like this.

    Lizbeth Gutierrez

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  • Two arrested in shooting of Longleaf homes

    Two arrested in shooting of Longleaf homes

    NEW PORT RICHEY, Fla. — The Pasco County Sheriff’s Office said Monday night it arrested two suspects in connection with a shooting that left homes in the Longleaf neighborhood peppered with bullets.

    What You Need To Know

    • The Pasco County Sheriff’s Office said it arrested two people in connection with a Sunday night shooting in New Port Richey’s Longleaf neighborhood

    • Anthony Calderon, 31, and Giacomo Bonacasa, Jr., 19, were taken into custody 

    • The sheriff’s office said about 20 shots were fired at 11:45 Sunday night. No injuries were reported

    • PCSO says the car involved was also located

    Anthony Calderon, 31, and Giacomo Bonacasa, Jr., 19, were taken into custody and the car used in the shooting was recovered.

    The sheriff’s office said about 20 shots were fired around 11:45 p.m. Sunday night along Town Avenue, with no injuries reported.

    Spectrum News was told by repair crews and homeowners that two homes were fired at during the incident, and a third resident said a shot was fired into her 17-year-old son’s bedroom while he was in it.

    Another neighbor who didn’t want her name to be published said she heard the shots.

    “I was kind of like, ‘Oh, my goodness.’ I didn’t know if it was kids playing with fireworks,” she said.

    Neighbors said crime like this doesn’t happen in Longleaf.

    “We should be worried about alligators and stuff, not people coming in, shooting up our houses,” the resident said.

    She said the outcome of the shooting could’ve been worse. Right across the street from the homes that were hit is Pioneer Green, a park area. She said that the night before the shooting, the HOA hosted an overnight camp-out there for the neighborhood’s kids.

    “Kids and teenagers were just enjoying themselves. It could have been a lot worse. So, we’re all grateful,” she said.

    The sheriff’s office said all parties are accounted for, and there is no public safety threat.

    Sarah Blazonis

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  • Boyfriend charged in death of 23-month-old Lakeland boy

    Boyfriend charged in death of 23-month-old Lakeland boy

    LAKELAND, Fla. — A 20-year-old Lakeland man is facing first degree murder and aggravated child abuse charges after a 23-month-old in his care was found “unresponsive, without a pulse and lying on the bathroom floor,” according to the Lakeland Police Department.

    Police Chief Sam Taylor said during a news conference Monday morning that Bobby Curry Jr. was babysitting while the boy’s mom was at work on March 5.

    According to Chief Taylor, Curry and the boy’s mom have been in a relationship for four months and he had been living with them for only two weeks.

    During Monday’s news conference, Taylor said Curry told police that he had just given Ezekiel Cotto-Saintfleur a bath when one of their dogs knocked the boy backward, causing him to hit the back of his head against the tub.

    However, Taylor said Curry’s story was inconsistent with Cotto-Saintfleur’s injuries, which occurred mainly to the front of his head.

    According to officials, Curry said Cotto-Saintfleur began having trouble breathing after he supposedly hit his head against the tub, so Curry placed the baby in his bed to rest.

    During that time, Curry was messaging with the boy’s mom on Instagram about his injuries and asking her what to do. At some point, Curry checked on the boy again and found him unresponsive. He then took the boy out of his bed and placed him on the bathroom floor again and began chest compressions, Taylor explained.

    Taylor said two and a half hours went by before Curry called 911 after the first signs of distress. However, there were over 60 Instagram messages between Curry and the boy’s mom during that time.

    Cotto-Saintfleur was transported to Tampa General Hospital, where he died three days later on March 8. His cause of death was determined to be blunt force trauma.

    Chief Taylor said during the news conference that he believes Curry became overwhelmed with babysitting a toddler, plus having two dogs and two ducks inside the home, and lost his temper.

    Taylor said Curry does not have a criminal history and urges people to ask for help before reaching that point of frustration.

    Taylor also said the baby’s mom is cooperating with law enforcement.

    Spectrum News Staff

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  • Palmetto city commission hears public concerns over man’s death

    Palmetto city commission hears public concerns over man’s death

    MANATEE COUNTY, Fla. — Palmetto city commissioners heard from about a dozen people at Monday night’s meeting calling for justice for Breonte Johnson-Davis.

    The 36-year-old Johnson-Davis died in police custody in November. He was shot with a taser multiple times.


    On Monday night, commissioners heard from speakers, including Johnson-Davis’s mother, about changes they want to see.

    Speakers also told commissioners Johnson-Davis’s death could’ve been prevented and that they’re frustrated with city officials’ response.

    Palmetto Police Chief Scott Tyler told reporters last week officers responded to reports of someone acting aggressively at a convenience store on Nov. 1.

    Tyler said Johnson-Davis ran onto a cruiser and kept acting aggressively, leading to officers shooting him with a taser.

    The chief said toxicology reports and an FDLE investigation found Johnson-Davis was on drugs and suffered a medical emergency.

    Johnson-Davis died in the hospital a day later.

    His death was ruled accidental, and FDLE found officers acted reasonably.

    Speakers at the meeting disagreed, saying this was a mental health call and officers used unnecessary force. 

    Johnson-Davis’s mother said she’s unhappy Palmetto’s mayor has been silent on her son’s death and she wants to see Tyler fired.

    “No matter what Breonte was going through, he did not deserve to die,” said Tracey Washington, Breonte Johnson-Davis’ mother. “He was not armed. He was not combative or aggressive. See, right now, the community is going on a narrative that the chief painted and we’re supposed to abide by that. Not me. Not his mother.”

    A number of speakers said they want to see Palmetto police adopt a program similar to St. Pete police’s “call program.”

    It stands for “community assistance and life liaison.”

    “The State Attorney’s office reviewed everything. Reviewed the medical examiner’s report, reviewed the toxicology reports,” said Tyler. “Reviewed the FDLE investigation and they have concluded that our officers acted reasonably, and their actions were justified that night. And they have concluded that our officers’ actions had nothing to do with his death.”

    Dispatchers will send social workers to some calls to improve responses to some situations, including those involving a mental health crisis.

    Spectrum News Staff

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  • Florida found to be 5th state with most scam losses in 2023

    Florida found to be 5th state with most scam losses in 2023

    In a recent survey of fraud and fraud-related losses across the country, Florida was ranked No. 5 in losses to scams in 2023.

    What You Need To Know

    • A recent survey found that Florida was fifth in the country for fraud losses in 2023
    • Of the $451.8 million lost, the average amount lost per fraud report was $1,567

    • Across the nation, consumers filed 1.8 million fraud reports within the first nine months of 2023, citing a loss of $7 billion

    • Investment-related and imposter frauds were are some of the most reported crimes

    LendingTree’s team found that Florida residents lost nearly $451.8 million to scams within the first nine months of 2023, or $20.88 per capita. They also reported Florida residents filled out 288,263 fraud reports, or 1,332 reports per 100,000 residents. The average amount lost per fraud report was $1,567.

    When looking at things on a bigger scale, Florida saw a 5.2% increase in fraud losses from 2022-2023, the survey found. Nationwide, consumers filed 1.8 million fraud reports within the first nine months of 2023, citing a loss of $7 billion.

    Of the scams reported, “investment-related fraud” accounted for $3.2 billion in losses, and represented nearly 4.2% of fraud reports over the same period.

    “Imposter scams” on the other hand, accounted for 33.5% of fraud reports. “Social media scams” were found to be the fifth-most commonly reported contact method, which caused victims to lose $1 billion, the highest amount by contact method.

    Reina Nieves

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  • K-9 hurt in shootout that left Silver Springs man dead, says sheriff’s office

    K-9 hurt in shootout that left Silver Springs man dead, says sheriff’s office

    SILVER SPRINGS, Fla. — A Marion County Sheriff’s Office K-9 is being treated for injuries sustained during a deadly shootout Saturday.

    The incident happened around 9 a.m. in Silver Springs, where the sheriff’s office says deputies were responding to a situation involving a man accused of battery by strangulation.

    The sheriff’s office says when the man was located, he shot at deputies, hurting police K-9 Leo.

    The man was shot during return fire by deputies and later pronounced dead at a hospital.

    He was identified Sunday as Jeremy Bradsher by the Marion County Sheriff’s Office.

    As of Sunday, the police K-9 is still being treated at UF Veterinary Hospital, where the sheriff’s office says he is “stable with good vitals.”

    Spectrum News Staff

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  • Grand jury decides against charges in troopers’ shooting of 2

    Grand jury decides against charges in troopers’ shooting of 2

    DAYTON, Ohio — No charges will be filed in the shooting deaths of a man and woman in a gun battle with Ohio state troopers following a police pursuit and kidnapping last summer, authorities said.

    What You Need To Know

    • No charges will be filed in the shooting deaths of a man and woman in a gun battle with Ohio state troopers following a police pursuit and kidnapping last summer, authorities said

    • The Montgomery County prosecutor’s office said Friday that a grand jury reviewed the Aug. 2 shooting of Rodney Helman, 54, and Elaine Helman, 51, and concluded that “the troopers acted lawfully under the circumstances”

    • When Rodney Helman fired a handgun, three troopers returned fire, hitting both suspects, who both died at a hospital, authorities said

    • Prosecutors said both suspects had been shot once each

    The Montgomery County prosecutor’s office said Friday that a grand jury reviewed the Aug. 2 shooting of Rodney Helman, 54, and Elaine Helman, 51, and concluded that “the troopers acted lawfully under the circumstances.”

    Police began pursing their van after they gave false information at an early morning traffic stop in London, Ohio, and then drove away, officials said. They stopped at a truck stop on US 42 and fled on foot, then got into an unlocked tractor-trailer cab and drove off. The truck driver, who was still inside, was shot in the hand, authorities said.

    The Ohio State Highway Patrol and officers from other law enforcement agencies then chased the truck cab through several counties before the pursuit ended in Vandalia on Interstate 70 west, near the Dayton International Airport Access Road. Police then negotiated for about four hours before deciding to approach the vehicle, and when Rodney Helman fired a handgun, three troopers returned fire, hitting both suspects, who both died at a hospital, authorities said.

    Prosecutors said both suspects had been shot once each. The truck driver was treated for a wound to the hand. Prosecutors said Rodney Helman’s handgun was recovered and ballistics confirmed that it had been fired at least twice.

    Associated Press

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  • Vigil held in Polk County for victims of alleged murderer

    Vigil held in Polk County for victims of alleged murderer

    BARTOW, Fla. — Saturday, the Polk County community came together to remember Sierra Hernandez.

    What You Need To Know

    • People gathered at Mary Holland Park in Bartow to hold a candlelight vigil in the memory of Sierra Hernandez and Edil Fernando Rodriguez, Jr.

    • Both are alleged murder victims of Enrique “KiKi” Martinez, who was detained by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office in January

    • Martinez is facing a charge of first-degree murder in the death of Sierra Hernandez

    The 20-year-old’s remains were found in January after her family reported her missing.

    Arrest reports for others involved in the case suggest Sierra was tied up and tortured in a Winter Haven home before she died.

    People gathered at Mary Holland Park in Bartow to hold a candlelight vigil and release balloons in her memory.

    “This is something we’re going to have to deal with for the rest of our lives, but having the community stand up behind us as much as they have has definitely helped us get through this,” said Christopher Hernandez, who is Sierra’s father. “They’ve shown us so much love already.”

    Enrique “KiKi” Martinez, 26, is facing a charge of first-degree murder in the death of Sierra Hernandez.

    Martinez had been wanted for first-degree murder since November, when he allegedly killed a 33-year-old homeless man, Edil Fernando Rodriguez, Jr.

    Rodriguez Jr.’s life was also honored at the vigil on Saturday evening.

    Spectrum News Staff

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  • Pasco County Corrections looks to hire correctional officers

    Pasco County Corrections looks to hire correctional officers

    LAND O’ LAKES, Fla. — Pasco County is looking to hire staffers for a new jail that is expected to open later this year. Officials say the department is in need of corrections officers, but the job duties go well beyond that.

    What You Need To Know

    • Pasco County Corrections is looking to hire 50 certified correctional officers this year with the opening of a new jail

    • The position offers a number of incentives, like sponsoring officers in the academy to go to school full time, and different paths toward other specialties

    • Construction of the department’s new jail has already started, and the facility is expected to open later this year

    At Pasco County Corrections, Corrections Officer Nicole Kleber introduced herself to a few potential new recruits as the department held its first-ever career fair earlier this month.

    “Our main idea for this career fair is to fill the corrections officer spots here,” said Kleber. “We’re going to need a lot of officers to fill our new facility, so that’s what this is based on.”

    Kleber first joined the division 16 years ago by taking her first steps toward becoming a corrections officer — a job she says offers quite a few different paths toward other specialties.

    “I don’t think people realize how many specialty areas that we have in the jail and that we’re offering,” she said. “Especially with incentives if you get certified.”

    Those incentives include sponsoring officers in the academy to go to school full time.

    “There’s room and opportunity to grow,” Kleber said. “I can say that because I started out as a civilian.”

    Kleber said her initial interest was sparked thanks to a family member who worked in the department, which paved the way for her current position in inmate processing.

    “I didn’t have any expectations to stay here,” she said. “I actually wanted to go to school to be a firefighter. But when I started working here as a civilian, I realized these people are regular inmates, they make mistakes, and they’re just regular people.”

    And Kleber said it’s a job that doesn’t discriminate based on an applicant’s age.

    “Age is just a number. It doesn’t matter — it’s all how you carry yourself,” she said. “You run the same unit the same way, it does not matter how old you are.”

    She said it’s also a job that, in time, can lead to bigger and better opportunities, and a future for those hoping to be hired.

    “We want you to advance. We want you to be a superstar,” Kleber said. “Our hopes are if we invest in you, you’re going to grow with us and stay with us.”

    Calvin Lewis

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  • Hernando authorities: Suspicious death at Weeki Wachee home

    Hernando authorities: Suspicious death at Weeki Wachee home

    HERNANDO COUNTY, Fla. —  The Hernando County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a suspicious death in Weeki Wachee and have started a search for the victim’s significant other, who is missing.

    Deputies said after they responded to reports of a missing person, which later turned out to the victim, at a home on Darts Street Sunday afternoon. Deputies discovered the body of an adult female in one of the bedrooms.

    What You Need To Know

    • Hernando deputies: Woman found at Weeki Wachee home; significant other, victim’s car missing 

    • Deputies said there are suspicious circumstances surrounding the death

    • Authorities: Victim’s significant other, Shauna Urive, 23, and the victim’s vehicle, a 2005 silver Pontiac Grand Am are missing

    Family members told authorities that had not seen the woman in several days.

    In examining the home, deputies said they immediately noted suspicious circumstances surrounding the death and contacted Major Case detectives and Forensic specialists, who took over the investigation.

    An autopsy will be conducted to determine the victim’s cause of death.

    Meanwhile, the victim’s significant other, Shauna Urive, 23, and the victim’s vehicle, a 2005 silver Pontiac Grand Am with the Florida tag CG2VH are both missing, officials said.

    Authorities have not released any further information about the case.

    Anyone with information is asked to call the sheriff’s office or Hernando County Crime Stoppers at 1-866-990-TIPS (8477).

    You may also submit your tip via the internet at http://www.hernandocountycrimestoppers.com.

    You can remain anonymous and also be eligible for a reward up to $5,000 cash.

    Spectrum News Staff

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