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(Sumter County, FL) Yesterday, September 2, 2026, a Sumter County jury found 28-year-old Joshua Aaron Timmons guilty on all charges for his role in the January 2023 ambush shooting of a victim.

Timmons was convicted of Attempted Second-Degree Murder with a Firearm, Robbery with a Firearm, Aggravated Battery with a Firearm, Possession of a Firearm by a Felon, Grand Theft, Tampering with a Witness, and Burglary of a Conveyance. 

“This defendant made the deliberate decision to use violence against the victim, leaving the victim seriously injured and fighting for their life,” said Bill Gladson, Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney. “I am grateful the jury analyzed the evidence and understood the magnitude of this crime, finding the defendant guilty. My office will continue to pursue justice for victims and ensure that those who commit violent crimes are held responsible.”

The case stemmed from an incident that occurred on January 13, 2023. The victim was lured to a location on County Road 510 after communicating through social media earlier in the day with a female co-defendant of Joshua Timmons that Timmons was in a relationship with at the time. The female co-defendant, per the victim, indicated that her female friend would also be available that night as well.   Once the victim arrived at the location, the two women began to demand money from the victim.

During the confrontation, the defendant, later identified as Timmons, jumped out from a nearby wooded area confronting the victim.  Timmons displayed a firearm before striking the victim with the gun. The argument between the parties then escalated with Timmons physically restraining the victim as the two women began to search the victim’s car for valuables.  The victim eventually was able to break free from Timmons and began to run, when Timmons pulled out a gun and shot the victim in the back.

The bullet struck the victim in the back, exiting out the front of the victim’s abdomen. After being struck, the victim ran to a nearby house for help. No one answered the door at that location.   At that point the three co-defendants had driven by quickly leaving the shooting location.   The victim then went back to their car and drove to the first house with a light on and knocked on the window where the owners of the home immediately called 9-1-1.   First responders rendered medical treatment on scene and airlifted the victim to a hospital for further treatment. The victim was still responsive and able to provide authorities information on what had occurred.

During SCSO’s investigation, detectives were able to track down Timmons at his mothers’ residence, along with both women. While taking the three into custody, law enforcement noticed that Timmons had stashed clothes in an attempt to potentially burn or otherwise dispose of the clothing.  Both co-defendants of Timmons are charged in this case.

This case was successfully prosecuted by Assistant State Attorneys Stephen Fern and Peter Molgaard. The State Attorney’s office thanks the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office for investigating this case and holding the defendant and his co-defendants accountable for these crimes.

Published on 09/03/2026.

(Sumter County, FL) Last week, 54-year-old Clyde Edward Johnson Jr. was sentenced to two concurrent Life terms as a Habitual Violent Felony Offender by Judge Mary P. Hatcher.

“We have seen countless times how drugs destroy lives and devastate our communities. Our office is grateful to Judge Hatcher for recognizing the seriousness of this defendant’s crimes, considering his extensive violent history, and ultimately ensuring our community is safe from any possible further harm inflicted by his criminal acts,” said Chief Assistant State Attorney Walter Forgie. “With two life sentences, he will no longer be able to profit from this illicit drug enterprise.”

Johnson was previously found guilty back in April of this year of Trafficking Cocaine, Trafficking in Cathinones, Possession of a Firearm or Ammunition by a Convicted Felon, Own a Place for Trafficking/Sale/Manufacture of a Controlled Substance, and Possession of Paraphernalia.

The case against Johnson began on February 15, 2023, after he 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 12^th 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 09/01/2026.

(Marion County, FL) Yesterday, August 27, 2026, jurors delivered their verdict in the 2023 murder case of 56-year-old Darius Duntel Jones.  Following a three-day jury trial, jurors found 41-year-old Joseph Edwards Horrighs guilty of First-Degree Premeditated Murder.

Following the jury’s guilty verdict, Judge Barbara Kissner-Kwatkosky sentenced Horrighs to Life in the Florida Department of Corrections.

“This verdict and sentencing hold the defendant accountable for taking the life of Darius Jones and provide a measure of justice for his family,” said Bill Gladson, Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney. “A life was taken though an act of premeditated violence, and the jury returned the just verdict of guilty. Our thoughts remain with Mr. Jones’ family and loved ones as they continue to live with this loss.”

On September 21, 2023, Marion County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a shooting off of SE 174^th Place, where they discovered the victim, identified as Darius Jones deceased from multiple gunshot wounds.

As detectives continued their investigation into the death of Darius, they discovered that he had picked up a man and a female companion before stopping at a local Wal-Mart. The three are then seen on surveillance cameras at the store leaving together. Darius got into the driver’s seat of the vehicle, with Horrighs entering the passenger seat in the front and the female getting into the passenger seat in the back. Investigators were able to identify both the female and Horrighs and questioned both as to the events that day.

Initially Horrighs denied being with the victim, but after being confronted with video evidence, he confessed to being with the victim the day of the victim’s murder. Officials learned that after the three had left Wal-Mart, an argument occurred between Horrighs and the female. Law enforcement reviewed footage from a home nearby where the victim’s car and body were found.  While reviewing the footage, they observed the female exiting the back seat of the car before leaving on foot.

Approximately 20 minutes after the car is seen driving away, on that same footage, Horrighs is captured briskly walkingfrom the direction the car drove off in. This placed the defendant with the victim for approximately 20 minutes before the shooting. The evidence collected at the scene of the crime, including a gun holster and shell casings were tested for DNA and matched Horrighs. A search warrant was conducted for where the defendant resided, where detectives discovered shell casings matching those recovered from the crime scene.

After speaking with witnesses, law enforcement learned that Horrighs disliked the victim because the victim was African American and because the victim was believed by Horrighs to be flirtatious with the female companion which made the defendant jealous. After ruling out all possible suspects, coupled with the DNA and ballistics evidence, Horrighs was subsequently arrested and charged in this case.

This case was successfully prosecuted by Assistant State Attorney Toby Hunt. The State Attorney’s Office extends its sincerest appreciation to the law enforcement officers, investigators, witnesses, victim advocates and others whose work contributed to bringing the case before a jury.

Published on 08/28/2026.

(Hernando County, FL) Today, State Attorney Bill Gladson of the Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney’s Office announces that a jury has recommended the Death Penalty for 65-year-old Jeffrey Norman Crum. The jury’s recommendation comes on a bittersweet day, the birthday of Jennifer Odom, who would have been 46 years old today.

“Now we can finally breathe. Jenny would be so proud of us, how tough and strong we were through this all. This death recommendation was so fitting it happened today on what would have been her 46^th birthday,” said Renee Converse, mother of Jennifer Odom.

Crum, who was found guilty by jurors following his four-day trial last week, was convicted of Kidnapping, Sexually Battering, and Murdering 12-year-old Jennifer Renee Odom. Jennifer disappeared on February 19, 1993, while walking home from her school bus stop in Pasco County. Her body was discovered six days later in an abandoned orange grove in Hernando County.

“This case has never simply been about a criminal prosecution. It has been about Jennifer. For more than three decades, her family carried the unimaginable burden of not knowing who took Jenny from them and why. Last week, the defendant was finally held accountable for his atrocious crime. Now today, the same jury has recognized the extraordinary circumstances of his crimes and has recommended the ultimate punishment,” stated State Attorney Bill Gladson. “Jennifer’s father spoke this week about the importance of justice and what justice would really look like for their family, and I cannot agree more. Jennifer should have been able to grow up, graduate, build a career, have a family and experience all the ordinary moments of life that were taken from her. While no verdict or sentence can give Jennifer back to her family, today’s recommendation represents the accountability for the person responsible.”

The State Attorney’s Office expresses its appreciation to the jurors for their service and to the investigators, forensic professionals, prosecutors and law enforcement agencies whose work over decades ultimately brought the case to trial. The office also recognizes Jennifer’s family, who endured unimaginable grief while continuing to seek answers.

The jury’s recommendation will now proceed to the next stage in sentencing under Florida law. The recommendation itself is not the final sentencing. A Spencer hearing for Crum is scheduled on October 21^st at 8:30 a.m.

Published on 08/25/2026.

(Citrus County, FL) This morning, Judge Healis sentenced 30-year-old Immanuel Zachariah Smith to 5 years in the Florida Department of Corrections followed by two years of felony probation for his 2025 arrest.  

“This sentencing is not shocking considering the severity of the crime committed by this defendant,” said Bill Gladson, Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney. “Linemen shouldn’t have to worry about being shot at while simply doing their jobs. They’re out there working to restore power and keep our communities running. No worker should ever have to fear for their life just for showing up to work. There is absolutely no excuse for this defendant putting these workers in fear for their lives.”

Smith was found guilty by a jury back on July 16, 2026, on two counts of Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon after taking the case to trial.

“Violence against our linemen and employees is never acceptable. They already have one of the hardest jobs in the world working on high voltage power lines,” said Withlacoochee Rive Electric Cooperative Executive Vice-President and General Manager David Lambert II. “I personally went out there that night to see the conditions of where these employees were working. They were never on the defendant’s property. With the company truck’s lights flashing, there’s no way this defendant didn’t know this was an electric truck – it’s clearly identifiable. The safety of our employees is paramount to us and I am glad its also of importance to Judge Healis.”

On December 5, 2025, deputies with the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) where dispatched to a residence off North Nicosia Point in Dunnellon regarding a shooting. Responding deputies learned from both victims, who were linemen with an electric company, that they had arrived at the address in their electric cooperative bucket truck equipped with yellow flashing lights to fix a reported power outage.

While working to correct the issue, both linemen walked down the property line to inspect another power pole when the defendant, later identified as Smith, started shouting obscenities at the pair. Smith stated to both victims that they were trespassing before firing multiple shots from a firearm. In fear of being shot, both victims took cover behind a nearby recreational vehicle before yelling out multiple times, “Power Company.”  The victims indicated to officials after yelling this to the defendant, Smith replied by saying, “I don’t give a “expletive.’”

Law enforcement made contact with Smith, who advised he saw both individuals on his property and went inside to retrieve his gun. After exiting the home, he yelled to the individuals that they were trespassing before firing multiple shots into the ground. During their investigation, deputies determined that the victims were never on the defendant’s property trespassing, only along the fence line during the commission of the duties to restore power in the area. Smith was arrested and charged.  

When Chief Executive Officer Curtis Wynn of SECO heard about this case, he said this, “The safety of our employees is THE top priority for SECO’s management, the board , and our fellow utility workers.  We welcome stronger enforcement of laws that protect SECO’s employees and utility workers from fatal and injurious threats when they do their jobs to provide reliable service to our members.  At times, doing so requires access to private property, at which times giving property owners proper respect, identification, and reasons for being on their property are common practices.”

The Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney’s Office is thankful to Sheriff David Vincent’s team at the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office for responding to this incident and investigating this crime. The office is also thankful to our electric cooperative partners at Withlacoochee and SECO for their collaboration in propelling our mission to keep our linemen and utility workers safe. And lastly, thank you to Assistant State Attorney Tara Hartman for successfully prosecuting this case on behalf of the victims involved.

Published on 08/21/2026.

(Hernando, FL) “For more than 30 years, Jennifer’s family, investigators and the communities of Pasco and Hernando Counties waited for answers. Now, this long running cold case has reached its end,” stated State Attorney Bill Gladson.

After more than three decades, a Hernando County jury has found 64-year-old Jeffrey Norman Crum guilty of the Kidnapping, Sexual Battery and Murder of 12-year-old Jennifer Renee Odom. The State Attorney’s Office of the Fifth Judicial Circuit announced intentions to seek the Death Penalty.

This case represents one of the State Attorney’s Office’s longest-running and most closely followed cold-case investigations.  The decades-long effort to identify and prosecute the person responsible for Jennifer’s death reflects the continued commitment of investigators and prosecutors to seeking justice for victims and their families. Jennifer Odom was not forgotten. Her case was never forgotten. And the pursuit of justice never stopped.

“Today’s verdict is the result of decades of determination, perseverance and an unwavering commitment to Jennifer Odom and her family,” remarked State Attorney Bill Gladson. “We owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to the investigators, forensic professionals, prosecutors and countless individuals who refused to allow this case to be forgotten. My office also recognizes Jennifer’s family, who endured unimaginable loss while continuing to wait for justice. Jennifer was just 12 years old when she was taken from her family. For over 30 years, her loved ones lived without knowing who was responsible for her death. Today, a jury has held Jeffrey Crum accountable for this heinous crime.”

The case against Crum developed back on February 19, 1993, when a 12-year-old Jennifer Odom disappeared after stepping off her school bus in a rural area of Pasco County to walk home. When she failed to arrive home, an extensive search began involving law enforcement officers and community volunteers across approximately 60 square miles of rural Pasco and Hernando counties. Witnesses reported seeing a faded blue pickup truck slowly following Jennifer as she walked. One witness even testified to seeing Jennifer get into the pickup truck.

Six days later, on February 25, 1993, Jennifer’s body was discovered in an abandoned orange grove in Hernando County. Her book bag and clarinet case were not found with her body and were later discovered nearly two years later in a rural area of Hernando County in January 1995.

The investigation remained open for more than three decades as investigators continued pursuing hundreds of leads and applying advances in forensic technology. Investigators eventually identified similarities between Jennifer’s case and a January 1992 attack involving another teenage girl in Pasco County. Jeffrey Norman Crum was later convicted in that earlier case and was serving two life sentences for sexual battery.

A DNA breakthrough in the Pasco County case in 2015 helped investigators identify a member of Crum’s family through a familial DNA search, ultimately leading investigators to Crum in the Hernando County case. Investigators then developed additional evidence connecting Crum to Jennifer’s disappearance and death, including evidence concerning his ownership of a blue truck and his familiarity with the area where Jennifer was taken and ultimately found.

During the trial, prosecutors presented evidence concerning Jennifer’s disappearance, the circumstances surrounding the discovery of her body, forensic evidence and the alleged similarities between Jennifer’s case and the earlier attack.

Thank you to the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office, specifically Detective George Loydgren, the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office, especially Cold Case Detective David Boyer, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement’s Biology Division, particularly Analyst Vicki Bellino, and State Attorney Bruce Bartlett’s Office for being instrumental in solving both the Hernando and Pasco cases. Assistant State Attorneys Richard Buxman and Donald McCathran prosecuted this case.

Published on 08/20/2026.

(Hernando, FL) In the courtroom of the Honorable Judge Daniel B. Merritt, jurors found 62-year-old Robert Daniel David Myers guilty of various sexual offenses committed on a child.

Myers was convicted of two counts of Sexual Battery upon a Child Under 12 Years of Age, two counts of Lewd and Lascivious Molestation of a Child, and two counts Sexual Battery on a Child by a Person in Familial or Custodial Authority.

Myers was arrested in January of 2024 following a Hernando County Sheriff’s Office investigation. Deputies were investigating another crime when they received a letter detailing sexual abuse of a minor child. Officials were able to identify the victim in the letter.

Law enforcement then contacted the victim who was reluctant at first but then advised of numerous incidents of sexual abuse committed by Myers.  Detectives launched a thorough investigation which revealed Myers had abused the victim since the victim was 6, with the Hernando crimes occurring when the victim was 11 years old. The investigation resulted in the arrest of Myers for sexual battery and lewd and lascivious behavior. Myers had previously been convicted of four counts of child molestation in another state prior to moving to Florida.    

“Any lead, any information, is always just one more step closer to justice,” said Chief Walter Forgie. “That’s exactly what happened in this case. After obtaining information that this abuse occurred, detectives worked swiftly to investigate and verify the accounts given. With that, we were able to build a solid case that unarguably proved the defendant committed these awful acts.”

This case was successfully prosecuted by Assistant State Attorney Angelina Rodeo despite the overwhelming challenges to secure a guilty verdict in a case where physical evidence could not be presented due to the extensive timeframe of when the crimes occurred and the delay in reporting.\

Published on 08/07/2026.

(Orange County, FL) Today, State Attorney Bill Gladson of the Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney’s Office announces the Death sentence of 59-year-old DeMorris Andy Hunter for the 2002 murder of 38-year-old Theresa Ann Green. Hunter was sentenced to death by Judge Lisa T. Munyon, after jurors found the defendant guilty and recommended the death penalty earlier this year.     

“I see no other punishment fitting for this defendant who ruthlessly took the life of Theresa Green,” said Bill Gladson, the State Attorney for the Fifth Judicial Circuit. “While imposing this sentence, the court said may God have mercy upon this defendant. While the Court has rendered justice under the law, the final judgement does rests with God – and may he levy an even greater punishment knowing the defendant denied every measure of mercy to his victim.”

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.

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 08/04/2026.

(Fifth Judicial Circuit, FL) State Attorney Bill Gladson of the Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney’s Office (SAO) announces the release of his office’s first-ever Annual Report highlight a historic year of service and public safety.

The report reflects a year marked by significant courtroom successes, meaningful community engagement, and an unwavering commitment to protecting the citizens of the Fifth Judicial Circuit.

“Our mission has always been simple: seek justice, protect victims, and keep our communities safe,” said State Attorney Bill Gladson. “This report showcases the extraordinary work of our prosecutors, investigators, victim advocates, and professional staff who serve our communities every day. We believe transparency builds trust, and this report demonstrates our commitment to both.”

Among the report’s highlights, the office ranked No. 1 in the State of Florida for prison admissions, reflecting the office’s continued focus on holding violent and repeat offenders accountable and ensuring those who threaten public safety face appropriate consequences.

The report also highlights several noteworthy prosecutions from 2025, including:

• High-profile homicides and violent crime convictions;
• Successful prosecutions of child predators and offenders who preyed upon vulnerable victims;
• Major narcotics trafficking and organized crime cases;
• Significant DUI manslaughter, sexual battery, and repeat violent offender prosecutions that resulted in landmark sentences.

Beyond the courtroom, the report illustrates the office’s commitment to prevention and public service through extensive community outreach. Throughout 2025, members of the office participated in educational programs, crime prevention initiatives, victim advocacy events, youth engagement programs, and senior safety presentation, as well as partnered with various law enforcement agencies, schools, and community organizations across the circuit.   

The inaugural Annual Report was entirely developed in-house and serves as a reflection of the office’s dedication to transparency, accountability, and public service.

The full 2025 Annual Report is available on the SAO’s website at sao5.org, under the Community tab, click Annual Report.

Published on 08/03/2026.

(Marion County, FL) Yesterday morning, 31-year-old Julio Cesar Bautista entered a no contest plea before Judge Barbara Kissner-Kwatkosky just shortly after his jury trial began.  Bautista, who invoked speedy trial, was adjudicated guilty on all counts.

Bautista was convicted of Aggravated Battery causing Great Bodily Harm with a Firearm, two counts of Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon, and Possession of a Firearm by a Felon. Following his conviction, Judge Kissner-Kwatkosky sentenced Bautista to 13 years in the Florida Department of Corrections with a minimum mandatory sentence of 10 years.

On March 9, 2025, law enforcement officers with the Marion County Sheriff’s Office responded to the Amex Food Mart located off Nort West 110^th Avenue in Ocala for a battery that had just occurred. Responding deputies learned from witnesses on scene that the defendant, Bautista, had just fled the scene after attacking two victims.

Law enforcement learned that while one victim was cleaning up the facility after a party, Bautista approached the victim and began getting into an argument. Bautista was then seen grabbing the victim by the neck and pushing the victim into the wall before pulling out a firearm and striking the victim over the head. The victim had a laceration above the eye and first responders observed blood in the corner of the room where the battery occurred.

During the battery, a second victim who observed Bautista attack the first victim, attempted to intervene. While attempting to break up the fight, Bautista’s firearm was knocked out of his hand onto the floor. The defendant then picked up the firearm and pointed it at both victims as they exited the building.

Bautista was later located during a traffic stop and arrested in this case.

Assistant State Attorney Janine Nixon ensured the successful prosecution of this case.

Published on 07/30/2026.