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(Marion County, FL) Yesterday, May 14, 2026, jurors delivered their verdict in the 2019 death of 2-month-old Wailan Roy Schroer. After reviewing irrefutable evidence and listening to expert testimony, jurors found 43-year-old Melissa Waiman Schroer guilty of Aggravated Manslaughter of a Child. Schroer will be sentenced on June 29, 2026, by Judge Barbara Kissner.

“It’s heartbreaking to learn of the conditions this young, vulnerable, and innocent infant was exposed to,” said Bill Gladson, Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney. “His short life was selfishly taken away because of the decision of this degenerate defendant who chose to use illicit narcotics instead of concerning herself with the well-being of her own child.”

On December 11, 2019, law enforcement officers were dispatched to the Villages Hospital in reference to a deceased infant. Upon arrival, officers were informed that the infant was found unresponsive at a
residence located off Southeast 36th Avenue in Ocala, Florida, prior to being driven to the hospital.

Marion County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to the home, where the defendant advised that she had put the infant to sleep while she took a nap. Schroer was awakened by another child in the residence who indicated the victim was not breathing. At the time, Schroer informed her husband, Jeffery Schroer, that Wailan was not breathing. J. Schroer then grabbed the infant and drove him to the Villages hospital. The victim was pronounced deceased upon arrival by medical personnel.

Major Crimes Detectives separately interviewed both defendant Schroer and her husband, who gave varying accounts of events leading up to the victim’s death. On February 5, 2020, the Medical Examiner’s Office concluded its autopsy of the victim and determined the cause of death to be methamphetamine toxicity with contributing conditions of dehydration and inanition. The victim’s death was subsequently ruled a homicide. Based upon this information and a lengthy investigation, probable cause was established for the defendant and her husband’s arrest.

Authorities attempted to make contact with defendant Schroer and J. Schroer but were unsuccessful. It was later learned that the couple had fled the state and were now living in Florence, Kentucky. Both the defendant and J. Schroer were apprehended on December 10, 2021, by the Boone County Sheriff’s Office and extradited to Florida.

The defendant’s husband, J. Schroer, was charged with the same crime and is pending prosecution.

This case was successfully prosecuted by Assistant State Attorneys Marissa Meyer and Katrina Self.

Published on 05/15/2026.

(Lake County, FL) Forty-one-year-old Xavier Mendez, of Groveland, was sentenced to 16 years in prison after being found guilty by a jury last month of 12 counts of Possession of Child Pornography. Upon his release, Mendez will be required to register as a Sexual Offender and complete four years of probation.

In July of 2024, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) received a cyber tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children indicating an online user had uploaded files containing possible child pornography.

FDLE Special Agent Marsian investigated the lead and learned that a Kik user had utilized the platform to share digital files depicting the sexual exploitation of a child. During the investigation, SA Marsian determined that the account belonged to the defendant, who resided at an address off Prairie Falcon Drive in Groveland, Florida.

The investigation was turned over to the Groveland Police Department, where it was assigned to Detective Stellinga. After reviewing the report, a search warrant was issued for Mendez’s residence, where officials seized numerous electronic devices as evidence.

A digital forensics examination of the devices collected from the defendant revealed multiple files of child sexual abuse material. An arrest warrant was issued for Mendez, who was subsequently taken into custody shortly after.

This case was successfully prosecuted by Assistant State Attorneys Tyler Duffy and Devon Razey.

Published on 05/07/2026.

(Lake County, FL) Last Wednesday, April 22, 2026, jurors found 35-year-old Alexander Aguilar guilty of Second-Degree Murder with a Firearm and Aggravated Battery with a Firearm. Aguilar’s sentencing hearing is scheduled for June 15, 2026, at 9 a.m.

The charges stem from an incident back in June of 2019, in which Mascotte Police Department officers responded to a call for service regarding a shooting that had occurred. When officials arrived on scene, they located the first victim, 35-year-old Juan Ramon Cruz, lying on the street unresponsive. Cruz was pronounced deceased on scene.

Officers also identified another victim, who had a gunshot wound to the knee. Emergency medical personnel began treatment of the victim’s injuries. While being treated, the victim informed law enforcement that Aguilar had fired shots at both victims before leaving the scene in a black Ford F-350 pickup truck.

Another witness on scene stated to detectives that several friends were at the location drinking when the defendant and his friends arrived. During that time, the defendant and the victim got into a physical argument, which was broken up by other witness. The Defendant and his friends walked back to the front yard where the Defendant then armed himself and fired in the direction of both victims. Aguilar then fled the area.

The Lake County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO) was called out to assist with the investigation. LCSO officials sent out an alert for the vehicle, and deputies with the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) observed the truck in their jurisdiction and conducted a traffic stop.

SCSO deputies noticed bullet holes on the side of the vehicle and had both occupants exit. Aguilar was identified as the passenger of the vehicle and detained for questioning. After being read his Miranda Warnings Aguilar admitted to pulling out a firearm and shooting both victims. Aguilar claimed it was self-defense. The jury rejected this argument and found the Defendant guilty.

Assistant State Attorney Edward Moffitt prosecuted the case with assistance from Victim Advocate Celena Ikensaa and Assistant State Attorney Eduardo Faria.

Published on 05/01/2026.

(Citrus County, FL) Monday, April 27, 2026, 37-year-old William Michael Larsen Sr. of Floral City, Florida, was indicted by a grand jury in the death of 67-year-old Bryant Milo Leggett.

A grand jury was convened to determine whether there was sufficient evidence to charge Larsen with the murder of Leggett and the subsequent crimes relating to the homicide. The grand jury returned a true bill of indictment for the following charges:

·MURDER IN THE FIRST DEGREE – PREMEDITATED 782.04(1)(a)1
·ARSON 806.01(2)
·TAMPERING WITH AN ELECTRONIC MONITORING DEVICE 843.23(2) and 843.23(3)(a)
·BATTERY ON A LAW ENFORCEMENT OR OTHER OFFICER 784.03(1)(a) and 784.07(2)

On or about April 7, 2026, Larsen did unlawfully and from a premeditated design effect the death of a human being, Bryant Leggett.

Given the severity of the crime and its impact on the victim’s family and community, the Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney’s Office has filed a notice that it intends to seek the death penalty pursuant to Florida Statutes.

Larsen remains in custody on no-bond status at the Lecanto Detention Facility.

Assistant State Attorneys Blake Shore and Richard Buxman are prosecuting the case.

Published on 04/29/2026.

(Lake County, FL) Today, the Office of State Attorney Bill Gladson for the Fifth Judicial Circuit announces the grand jury indictment of 43-year-old Matthew Pasco of Leesburg, Florida.

A grand jury was convened to determine whether there was sufficient evidence to charge Pasco for the death of 36-year-old Shawn Cyriacks. The grand jury returned a true bill of indictment for the following charges:

·MURDER IN THE FIRST DEGREE WITH A FIREARM (PREMEDITATED) – 782.04(1)(a)1,775.087(2)(a) l, 775.087(2)(a)2, and 775.087(2)(a)3

·POSSESSION OF A FIREARM BY A FELON – 790.23(1)(a),790.23(3), AND 775.087(2)(a)l

On or about April 17, 2026, Pasco did unlawfully and from a premeditated design effect the death of a human being, Shawn Cyriacks, and during the commission of the offense, actually possessed and discharged a firearm, causing the death of Cyriacks.

The State Attorney’s Office of the Fifth Judicial Circuit will continue to ensure public safety by enforcing the criminal laws of the State of Florida and holding those who violate our laws accountable for their actions, while seeking justice on behalf of all victims.

Pasco is in custody at the Lake County Detention Facility on a no-bond status.

Assistant State Attorney Nicholas Camuccio is prosecuting the case.

Published on 4/25/2026.

(Lake County, FL) Today, State Attorney Bill Gladson announces the grand jury indictment of 82-year-old Vincent DiFraia of Groveland, Florida.

A grand jury was convened to determine whether there was sufficient evidence to charge Difraia for the death of 84-year-old Evelyn DiFraia. The grand jury returned a true bill of indictment for the following charge:

·MURDER IN THE FIRST DEGREE (PREMEDITATED) 782.04(1)(a)1

On or between April 14, 2026, and April 19, 2026, did unlawfully and from a premeditated design effect the death of a human being, Evelyn DiFraia.

The decision to file charges emphasizes the severity of the alleged offense and recognizes the significant impact the alleged crime has had on the victim and their families.

The State Attorney’s Office understands the challenges involved in prosecuting an elderly partner homicide case and assures the community that we will work hard to achieve a just resolution.

DiFraia remains in custody on a no-bond status.

Assistant State Attorney Nicholas Camuccio is prosecuting the case.

Published on 04/24/2026.

(Marion County, FL) Today, State Attorney Bill Gladson of the Fifth Judicial Circuit announces the filing of two death penalty notices in the case against 32-year-old Jeroen Jarrel Coombs of Citra, FL.

Coombs, who was indicted last month for First-Degree Murder in the Death of 3-year-old Paisley Brown, three counts of Aggravated Child Abuse, and one count of Child Abuse, is now being charged with Capital Sexual Battery. The State is seeking the death penalty for the First-Degree Murder and Capital Sexual Battery charges.

Under Florida Statute 119.071(2)(h), the identity of a victim of sexual battery is confidential and exempt from public disclosure.

Given the severity of the crime and its impact on the community, the Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney’s Office has filed a notice that it intends to seek the death penalty pursuant to Florida Statutes 921.141(6)(b), 921.141(6)(d), 921.141(6)(h), 921.141(6)(l), 921.141.(6)(m), 921.1425(7)(b), 921.1425(7)(e), 921.1425(7)(h), 921.1425(7)(i), and 921.1425(7)(k).

The decision underscores the seriousness of the alleged offenses and their profound impact on the victims and their families. The State Attorney’s Office recognizes the sensitivity surrounding this matter and its broader implications for the community.

As legal proceedings unfold, our office asks for respect for the legal process as we work diligently to bring this case to a just resolution, holding the offender accountable for their actions.

Coombs will remain in custody on no-bond status at the Marion County detention facility.

Published on 04/22/2026.

(Marion County, FL) Last week, 21-year-old Erick Rico Beauvil was sentenced to 15 years in the Florida Department of Corrections after jurors found Beauvil guilty of Sexual Battery by Defendant under 18 Years of Age with a Victim 12 Years or Older.

Back on October 12, 2022, deputies from the Marion County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) responded to the AdventHealth hospital in Ocala, in reference to a sexual battery that had occurred. Officials learned from medical staff that a juvenile child had indicated they were raped and needed medical treatment.

Law enforcement made contact with the juvenile’s parent, who stated they were made aware of the incident earlier that morning. The complaint indicated the victim sent them a message stating they needed to go to the hospital because of an incident involving the defendant. The victim was transported for a forensic interview at the child advocacy center.

During the forensic interview, the victim disclosed that one night, in the weeks prior, the victim was inside their room due to a headache. While in bed, the defendant had entered the room and sat next to the victim. The victim repeatedly told Beauvil to leave, but the defendant refused. After refusing to leave, Beauvil overpowered and sexually battered the victim.

Probable cause was developed for the defendant’s arrest, and he was subsequently arrested and charged.

This case was successfully prosecuted by Assistant State Attorney Katrina Self and Certified Legal Intern Delaney Kastensmidt.

Published on 04/21/2026.

(Sumter County, FL) Last week, 53-year-old Clyde Edward Johnson Jr. was found guilty by a jury on all charges. During the two-day trial, prosecutors presented irrefutable evidence that led to Johnson’s conviction of Trafficking Cocaine, Trafficking in Cathinones, Possession of a Firearm/Ammunition by a Felon, Own a Place for Trafficking/Sale/Manufacture of a Controlled Substance, and Possession of Paraphernalia.

On February 15, 2023, Johnson was arrested by detectives with the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO). Detectives from SCSO’s Special Investigations Squad executed a search warrant at the premises off NE 12th Drive in Oxford, Florida. Officials were aware of ongoing narcotics sales at the property and conducted an investigation that led to the execution of the narcotics search warrant.

While detectives responded to conduct the search warrant, members of the Special Investigations Squad conducting surveillance made contact with Johnson during a traffic stop. In the defendant’s possession was a key chain that held the key to a fifth-wheel camper and the shed on the property that was the target of the search warrant. Utilizing the defendant’s camper key, detectives made entry into the fifth-wheel.

Upon entering, law enforcement located numerous bags and boxes containing various illicit narcotics that appeared to be prepackaged for sale. During the search, detectives also located a loaded Ruger firearm with additional 9mm ammunition. A criminal history check revealed that Johnson is a convicted felon and registered sexual offender. The defendant was arrested and charged.

This case was successfully prosecuted by Assistant State Attorneys Elizabeth Hart and Reagan Chapman.

Published on 04/20/2026.

(Orange County, FL) Today, State Attorney Bill Gladson of the Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney’s Office announces the death penalty recommendation by jurors in the murder conviction of 59-year-old DeMorris Andy Hunter.

Last week, in the courtroom of Judge Lisa T. Munyon, prosecutors Richard Buxman and Kenneth Nunnelley presented the case against Hunter for the 2002 murder of 38-year-old Theresa Ann Green, securing a guilty verdict.

“These past two weeks have been grueling for the family and friends of the victim,” said Bill Gladson, the State Attorney for the Fifth Judicial Circuit. “Reliving the events that occurred on the night Green’s life was taken has been nothing short of tragic. I believe this is why the jurors have recommended the most appropriate punishment for the defendant, which is the death penalty.”

On May 26, 2002, Hunter and the victim were both guests at a party hosted by a couple in their apartment building. They left the party together, and witnesses saw them fall down the stairs before entering the victim’s apartment. Hours later, Hunter returned to the apartment and asked a neighbor for a favor. He gave the neighbor keys to a white van and requested that he follow him while he drove the victim’s car, dropping it off in a parking lot.

Officers with the Orlando Police Department received a missing persons report for Green. Shortly later, authorities with the Sanford Police Department located the victim’s car at a Walgreens and discovered her deceased body inside the trunk. The Medical Examiner’s Office determined the victim’s death to be a homicide by manual strangulation.

During the investigation, law enforcement was able to confirm the victim was last seen alive with the defendant. At the time they spoke to the defendant, Hunter was serving a 110-year sentence for another murder that occurred in Oakland, California.

“At only 13 years old, I was robbed of my mother’s presence, her support, and her irreplaceable love. While other children were leaning on their mothers for guidance, I was forced to navigate the most formative years of my life in the shadow of her absence,” stated Octavius Hayes, son of the victim. “Every milestone I have reached since then has been bittersweet, marked by the hollowed space where she should have been standing…. I ask this court to recognize the permanence of this loss, and the exhaustion of a lifetime spent seeking justice.”

The case was presented by Chief of Homicide Prosecution Richard Buxman and Assistant State Attorney Kenneth Nunnelley, who have worked tirelessly to pursue justice on behalf of the victims and the people of the great State of Florida.

Published on 04/16/2026.