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(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.

(Lake County, FL) Today, the Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney’s Office of State Attorney Bill Gladson announces the conviction and sentencing of 55-year-old John Joseph Marchlewski.

In the courtroom of Judge Brian Welke, jurors found Marchlewski guilty on all 15 counts of Possession of Child Pornography (10 or More Images). Marchlewski was consecutively sentenced to 15 years in prison on each charge, cumulating a 225-year sentence.

“Of the disturbing videos this defendant possessed of very young children being sexually abused, one was less than two years old – just a toddler. The mere thought of someone abusing a toddler, or any child, for their own sexual gratification is sickening,” said Bill Gladson, Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney. “My office remains unwavering in combatting child sexual exploitation and abuse. Whether you are the pedophile producing the material or the deviant viewing and sharing it, we will charge you and make sure you are punished to the fullest extent possible by law.”

Marchlewski was arrested in May of 2023 following a Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) investigation after law enforcement officials received a cyber tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children indicating an online user had uploaded files containing child pornography.

During their investigation, officials determined Marchlewski, a registered sex offender, was the owner of the accounts that contained child sexual abuse material. After obtaining a search warrant, detectives responded to Marchlewski’s residence, where they made contact with the defendant and seized his cellular device.

A forensic examination of the defendant’s device was conducted, revealing the files containing the child pornography.

Assistant State Attorneys Tyler Duffy and Karli Hurbanis successfully prosecuted this case.

Published on 04/15/2026.

(Lake County, FL) Yesterday, 26-year-old Brandon Pirela was sentenced to 25 years in the Florida Department of Corrections after being found guilty of Attempted First Degree Murder with a Firearm and Conspiracy to Commit Murder following a jury trial in January.

The evidence presented at trial established that Pirela carried out a deliberate attempt to kill the victim by firing over 20 shots towards the victim after coordinating with his ex-girlfriend and co-defendant, 23-year-old Arianna Gajraj, to ambush the victim.

On December 1, 2023, the victim reported to the Clermont Police Department that while parked inside their vehicle with Gajraj, a white Camry pulled up with the driver exiting and immediately fired over 20 gunshots at the victim.

The victim was able to reverse their car and flee the area. After dropping Gajraj off, the victim responded to the police station to report the incident. The victim further stated to law enforcement that they believed Pirela was the shooter due to Pirela sending threatening messages to the victim via social media.

Officials made contact with Gajraj, who initially denied speaking with Pirela regarding her whereabouts or the shooting that had just occurred. Cell phone records were obtained by authorities. The records exposed that both Pirela and Gajraj had communicated about setting up the victim, as well as Gajraj telling Pirela where she and the victim were currently located. Both Pirela and Gajraj were arrested and charged accordingly.

Co-defendant Gajraj cooperated with the State and testified against Pirela at his jury trial. Gajraj entered a plea in March and was sentenced to three years in prison, followed by six years of probation for her role in the crime.

This case was investigated by the Lake County Sheriff’s Office with assistance from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and the Orange County Sheriff’s Office.

Assistant State Attorneys Eddie Moffitt and Monica Bodnar successfully prosecuted this case.

Published on 04/14/2026.