Tragedy struck Orlando, Florida on Wednesday, February 23, as three innocent people lost their lives and two others were injured in a series of shootings.
The victims included a 9-year-old girl, a woman in her 20s, and a local TV news reporter, identified as 24-year-old Dylan Lyons.
The suspect, Keith Melvin Moses, 19, has been taken into custody and charged with murder for the morning shooting, with authorities expecting further charges for the four shootings in the afternoon. According to Orange County Sheriff John Mina, Moses has a lengthy criminal record, including gun charges, aggravated battery and assault with a deadly weapon, burglary, and grand theft.
The first shooting occurred at 11 a.m. local time, where deputies discovered the body of a woman in her 20s, who was known to the suspect. Later in the day, deputies received two additional calls about shootings near the scene of the first incident.
One of the shootings took place in a nearby home, where a mother and her 9-year-old daughter were found shot. Sadly, the young girl passed away at the hospital, while her mother continues to fight for her life. The motive for the suspect’s actions is unclear, as Sheriff Mina stated that they do not yet know if the suspect had any connection to the mother and daughter.
The other shooting incident involved crew members from Spectrum News 13, who were covering the morning shooting. Reporter Dylan Lyons lost his life, while photographer Jesse Walden was critically injured. Lyons was known for his passion for his job and the community, and his loss has been felt deeply by his colleagues and friends.
The tragic events of February 23 have left the community of Orlando reeling. The White House and press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre have offered their condolences to the victims’ families and the Spectrum News team. As the investigation continues, authorities will work tirelessly to bring justice to the families and ensure the safety of the community.
