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(Sumter County, FL) Late Thursday evening, jurors in the trial of 24-year-old Jasmine Daebreon Grover reached a verdict, finding Grover guilty of Driving Under the Influence Manslaughter following a fatal vehicle incident that took the life of 21-year-old Alexes Olivia Matthews. Grover was also convicted of Driving Under the Influence with Serious Bodily Injury, Driving Under the Influence Causing Injury, Driving Under the Influence with Property Damage, and Possession of Cannabis.

“What happened to Alexes wasn’t an accident. It was a choice – a conscious, selfish, irreversible choice to drive under the influence. That decision didn’t just end a life – it shattered a family,” stated Oral Matthews, father of the victim. “I’ve spent the last five years waking up every day with the same pain in my chest, trying to explain the unexplainable to her children…. You were supposed to be her friend. Friends protect each other. Friends look out for one another. But you made a choice that night. Because of that choice, my daughter is gone. Forever.”

Back on February 9, 2020, Grover, who was 19 years old at the time, was driving a vehicle with three other passengers, including the victim.  Grover was under the influence at the time and lost control of the vehicle while driving on County Road 476 in Sumter. She veered off the road and onto the shoulder. In an attempt to regain control, Grover overcorrected, causing the vehicle to cross back over the road to the opposite shoulder. Ultimately, the vehicle left the roadway completely and crashed into a tree. The impact of the crash not only ejected the victim but also caused the vehicle to roll on top of her, resulting in her death. 

Florida Highway Patrol conducted a thorough traffic homicide investigation, revealing that Grover was the individual behind the wheel at the time of the crash, according to the two surviving occupants. Additionally, first responders on scene indicated that Grover had bloodshot watery eyes, dilated pupils, slurred speech, and a very thick tongue – all consistent indicators she was under the influence. A substantial amount of cannabis was recovered from Grover’s waistband at the time of the accident.

A blood draw conducted on Grover revealed large quantities of both Cannabis and Etizolam, a controlled substance, in her system at the time of the deadly crash. This evidence, along with testimony from witnesses, members of the Florida Highway Patrol, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Medical Examiner’s Office, and other fellow medical professionals, were presented during the trial.

Grover was remanded into custody following the verdict to await her sentencing hearing.

“She (Alexes) was vibrant, full of love, and had her whole future ahead of her. She had two beautiful sons, who now have to grow up without their mother. No child should ever have to ask why their mommy isn’t coming home. There are absolutely no words that can express the pain I have endured on and since February 9, 2020,” said Mercedes Matthews, sister of the victim. “I hope that when this court makes its decision, it fully considers the devastating impact of this loss. We are not just statistics or names in a report – we are real people, grieving someone we loved deeply.”

This case was successfully prosecuted by Assistant State Attorneys Joseph Church and Sonny McCathran.

Published on 05/09/2025.

(Marion County, FL) Wednesday afternoon, jurors delivered their verdict in the 2020 murder case of 44-year-old David Vega.  After a brief deliberation, jurors found 49-year-old Stanley Summer Jr. guilty of Premeditated First-Degree Murder with a Firearm. Following the verdict, Judge McCourt sentenced Summer to Life in prison.

“Justice was served today in this case with the defendant serving life for taking the life of another,” said Walter Forgie, Chief Assistant State Attorney. “Our office is grateful to the jury for their service and to the law enforcement officers and prosecutors who worked tirelessly to bring this case to a just conclusion.”  

On November 11, 2020, the Ocala Police Department (OPD) received a call for service in reference to a reported shooting at a residence off NW 16^th Place in Ocala.  Upon arrival, deputies located the victim, David Vega, lying in a pool of blood on the carport floor of the home.  The victim appeared to have a gunshot wound to his head and was pronounced deceased on scene.

Officials on scene began speaking with a witness at the home who indicated she was in the restroom when she heard the “pop” noise before the defendant came walking through the hallway, advising “someone was shot outside.” The witness stated she then exited the home and observed the victim lying on the ground before calling 9-1-1.  

While at the home, law enforcement deputies observed exterior security cameras that pointed towards the incident area. Investigators were able to pull up the Blink application on the witness’s phone to observe several short videos and audio clips depicting Summer walking past the camera in the carport before seeing Vega walking towards the carport. Officials were able to hear a verbal altercation between the two before Summer leaves the carport and enters the house. During the recordings, at no time did Vega exit the carport area or reappear.

On video, officers were able to see the witness exit the home and observe Vega on the carport before leaving to contact law enforcement. Summer, who had fled the scene, was arrested and later charged with the murder of Vega.

This case was successfully prosecuted by Assistant State Attorney Amy Berndt and Toby Hunt. Thank you to OPD Det. M. Coughlin and Det. D. Collier for their diligent work in this case.

Published on 05/09/2025.

(Lake County, FL) In a Lake County courtroom last week, 36-year-old Jettzel Jomar Felix-Marcano was found guilty on all charges related to his 2022 arrest. He was convicted of Aggravated Battery with Great Bodily Harm, Battery, Possession with the Intent to Sell, Manufacture or Deliver Cannabis, and Possession of Paraphernalia. He was sentenced to 12 years in the Florida Department of Corrections.

On May 18, 2022, Deputy Sullivan responded to the Leesburg Police Department (LPD) for a previous battery that occurred within the Lake County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO) jurisdiction. Officers from the LPD originally spoke with the victim, who entered their lobby to report that they had been continuously battered by Felix-Marcano.

When asked by Deputy Sullivan, the victim disclosed additional abuse by the defendant, from repeatedly beating them, to forcefully placing their hand on a burning stove and striking the victim with a belt. The victim further stated that they felt that today would consist of “Leave, stay or die.”

Due to the victim’s injuries observed by law enforcement, they were transported for medical treatment. Based on the victim’s statements and injuries that corroborated their story, officers responded to the house of Felix-Marcano for further investigation. Deputies made contact with the defendant and placed him into custody.

While on the scene, Deputy Caston found the belt described by the victim as being used by Felix-Marcano. The officer also discovered a large amount of cannabis on the kitchen counter of the home, along with various paraphernalia, which was collected and turned into evidence. 

The outcome of this case stands as a testament to the unwavering dedication of our law enforcement partners to protect and serve the citizens of their community. Thank you to both Assistant State Attorney Gennady Gusak and Assistant State Attorney Mark Van Haasteren for prosecuting this case and Victim Advocate Ann Bass for helping the victim throughout the process.

Published on 05/02/2025.

(Citrus County, FL) This week, 50-year-old Robert Paul Kowanko was sentenced to 30 years in the Florida Department of Corrections after being found guilty by a jury back in March for trafficking illicit narcotics charges stemming from his 2023 arrest. Kowanko was convicted of Trafficking in Methamphetamine, Trafficking in Cocaine, Unlawful Use of a Two-way Communications Device, and Possession of Paraphernalia.

Kowanko was arrested in September 2023 after an investigation by the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office Special Investigations Unit (SIU), which uncovered his involvement in the sale of large quantities of methamphetamine in Citrus County. Following a controlled buy, officers approached Kowanko and his co-defendant, Sean Thomas Joyce, who were exiting a wooded area near US 19 in Crystal River.

Law enforcement detained Kowanko and Joyce and searched their vehicle, finding a clear baggie with a white powder, a digital scale, and hypodermic needles. Kowanko had another baggie with a similar substance, while Joyce was also found with narcotics. Field tests confirmed the substances were fentanyl and methamphetamine. Kowanko later admitted to selling the drugs after being read his Miranda rights.

Co-defendant Joyce pleaded guilty earlier this year and was sentenced to 10 years in prison.

The outcome of this case resulted from the diligent efforts of our law enforcement partners and Assistant State Attorneys Kaitlyn Mannis and Kevin Davis.

Published on 5/1/2025.

(Citrus County, FL) Today, State Attorney Bill Gladson announced the grand jury indictment of 43-year-old David Nemyier.

A grand jury was convened to determine whether there was sufficient evidence to charge Nemyier, son-in-law of the victim, for the senseless murder of 67-year-old Kyle Pazian. On April 9, 2025, Nemyier unlawfully and from a premeditated design murdered Kyle Pazian, by actually possessing and discharging a firearm, causing his death as a result of a firearm discharge. 

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)1, 775.087(2)(a)2 and 775.087(2)(a)3

Facts of the case revealed that on Friday, April 11, 2025, just shortly before 11 a.m., the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office received a call about a deceased male located inside a residence on Cherrywood Ct. in Crystal River. Officers on scene were able to identify the male as Kyle Pazian. Nemyier was arrested and charged with murder on April 13, 2025.

Nemyier remains in custody on no-bond status in a local detention facility.

Published on 04/30/2025.

(Lake County, FL) Tuesday, April 22, 2025, jurors returned a guilty verdict in the case against 55-year-old Darin Kirkpatrick Starks, who was charged with two counts of Battery on a Person 65 years of Age or Older. The victims were 70 and 72 years old. Starks was remanded into custody to await his sentencing hearing.

Back in April of 2024, an elderly victim contacted the Clermont Police Department and stated they had just been attacked by a friend, later identified as the defendant. The victim told authorities that Starks was homeless, and they allowed him to come to their home from time to time if there was inclement weather.

The victim further told deputies that when Starks would come over, they noticed items going missing. When the victim confronted the defendant about this, they began to argue. and Starks pushed the victim. During the physical altercation, a roommate of the victim attempted to intervene when Starks also began attacking them.

The physical confrontation moved out to the backyard, where Starks continued to hit and kick both victims. The first victim was able to run away and contact law enforcement. In doing so, Starks took off from the location with officers eventually locating him a short time later down the road.

When questioned about the battery on both victims, Starks stated he became upset after being accused of stealing and felt that the two victims were getting in his face. He admitted to pushing, punching, and kicking the victims.

This case was diligently prosecuted by Assistant State Attorneys La Toya Jackson and Chelsey Omega.  

Published on 04/24/2025.

(Citrus County, FL) Earlier this month, the case against 20-year-old Demitri Hunter Nichols concluded when Nichols pled to charges of Carjacking with a Firearm, Shooting at, Within, or Into an Occupied Vehicle, Fleeing or Attempting to Elude, and Resisting a Law Enforcement Officer without Violence.

Nichols was sentenced to 20 years in the Florida Department of Corrections, which is a minimum-mandatory term. After his incarceration, Nichols will be placed on probation for 10 years.

In March of 2024, Citrus County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a location off Ft. Island Trail in reference to a physical disturbance. While enroute, Lieutenant Corbin observed a vehicle matching the description of the victim’s vehicle. He attempted to make a traffic stop on the vehicle when the driver, later identified as the defendant, started to accelerate at a high speed.

During the multi-mile pursuit, officers deployed tire deflation devices and successfully disabled the vehicle. Nichols ,who was then 19 years old, was detained and questioned. He stated to law enforcement that he and the victim got into an argument, and when it turned physical, he decided to leave in the victim’s vehicle.

Contact was made with the victim, who told deputies that Nichols began to have violent outbursts and fired a firearm outside the passenger window of the vehicle multiple times. The victim then pulled over and exited the vehicle along with three other witnesses. At this time, the victim told officials that they got into an argument with the defendant that escalated to Nichols striking the victim in the face multiple times. As the victim recounted what happened, deputies were able to observe obvious injuries to the victim’s face.

The victim further stated that after falling to the ground, the defendant stood over top of them and pointed the firearm at their head before leaving in the victim’s vehicle. The three other witnesses corroborated the victim’s statement.   

Thank you to our law enforcement partners and to Assistant State Attorney Patsey Jacobs for prosecuting this case.

Published on 04/22/2025.

(Marion County, FL) Yesterday, jurors deliberated briefly after hearing compelling witness testimony and observing irrefutable evidence before finding 33-year-old Christina Anne Adams guilty of Premeditated Murder in the First Degree and Attempted First Degree Murder with a Deadly Weapon.  

Adams was sentenced by Judge Timothy McCourt to two life sentences for the murder of 74-year-old Richard Langer and the attempted murder of another victim.

“Our fundamental duty is to seek justice, and in pursuing this goal, we strive to provide closure for the victims and their families while ensuring accountability for those responsible. Today, as difficult as it has been for the victims and their families, I believe we’ve gotten just that,” said Walter Forgie, Fifth Judicial Circuit Chief Assistant State Attorney

Back on September 16, 2022, the Marion County Sheriff’s Office responded to a call for service in reference to a stabbing that had just occurred. Responding deputies entered a residence off SE 70^th Terrace in Ocala, where they located both victim one and victim two with multiple stab wounds.  

While rendering aid to both victims, victim one, who was later identified as Richard Langer, stated to officials that his daughter stabbed them. A law enforcement alert bulletin was issued and shortly later, a traffic stop was conducted on Adams’ vehicle, which was also occupied by her wife.

Both the defendant and her wife were taken into custody for questioning. The spouse relayed to law enforcement that she had just finished running a few errands before meeting the defendant at the grocery store. She indicated to detectives that she did not notice anything out of the norm for the defendant nor did the defendant mention any altercation prior.

When Adams was questioned by detectives, her series of events did not match up with the statements given by her spouse. Upon further questioning, Adams finally admitted to detectives that she attacked both victims after getting upset for being told she’d have to move out.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant State Attorneys Toby Hunt and Amy Berndt.

Published on 04/17/2025.

(Hernando County, FL) Yesterday, State Attorney Bill Gladson announced the grand jury indictment of 16-year-old Cameron Ray Cubel, ex-boyfriend of the victim.

A grand jury was convened to determine whether there was sufficient evidence to charge Cubel for the tragic murder of 16-year-old Abbriella Faye Elliot. The grand jury returned a true bill of indictment for the following charges:

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

On March 27, 2025, Cubel unlawfully and from a premeditated design murdered Abbriella Faye Elliott, by inflicting multiple sharp force injuries causing her to die.

Cubel remains in custody on no-bond status in a juvenile detention facility. He will later be transferred to Hernando County and tried as an adult.

Published on 04/17/2025.

(Sumter County, FL) Yesterday, 33-year-old Rodney Reshad Rose was found guilty of Trafficking in Methamphetamine, Possession with Intent to Sell or Deliver Methamphetamine within 1000ft of a Park, and Unlawful Use of a Two-way Communications Device.

Jurors deliberated for 75 minutes, after hearing the testimony of Detectives with the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office Special Investigations Squad (SIS), expert testimony from analysts with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, and examining evidence presented during the trial, before rendering their verdict.

After the verdict was read, Judge Mary P. Hatcher remanded Rose pending sentencing.

“Trafficking dangerous narcotics ruins lives and incites violence in our communities. We will continue to aggressively prosecute those who profit from addiction and poison our neighborhoods,” said Walter Forgie, Fifth Judicial Circuit Chief Assistant State Attorney.

Back in April of 2023, members of the Special Investigations Squad, during their undercover street-level narcotics operation, revealed that the defendant was involved in the sale and delivery of large quantities of methamphetamine in Sumter County.

Officials conducted a controlled buy with Rose, who provided law enforcement with illicit narcotics. After collecting the crystalline substance, officers conducted a presumptive test, which yielded a positive result of methamphetamine with a total packed weight of 29.02 grams. The substance was then sent off to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement’s Crime Laboratory for further confirmation.  

The outcome of this case was a result of the diligent efforts of our law enforcement partners, as well as Assistant State Attorneys Michael Kotsifakis and Elizabeth Hart.

Published on 04/11/2025.