Florida Violent Crime News Update

Below is a recap of recent incidents and investigations involving violent crime cross the state of Florida. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty.

Tallahassee / Panhandle:

Panama City Beach Police Release Details About Bodies Found in Wooded Areas

Panama City Beach Police Department identified a body that was discovered off Middle Beach Road, just west of the Saltwater Grill restaurant. Police said it is the body of Amy Sue Green. Detectives say the cause of death has yet to be determined and the investigation is still ongoing.Meanwhile, PCBPD continues to investigate the cause of death of a woman found off Hutchison Boulevard, earlier this month.

Northeastern Florida:

Jacksonville: Church Leaders Meet with Jacksonville Sheriff to Discuss Violent Crime

A Jacksonville community group of faith leaders — “ICARE” — held a prayer vigil Monday to end violence in the city.

The group said it met with Sheriff Waters last week to discuss different strategies to keep Jacksonville safe.

This comes about a month after the group publicly stated that it felt ignored by Sheriff Waters because he would not attend meetings. News4JAX records show a 45% decrease in homicides so far this year compared to the same time frame last year and a decline in murders.

Southeastern Florida

Miami: Man arrested in fatal shooting of Miami Beach nightclub security guard

Dvonn Reaux, 28, was arrested on a second-degree murder charge in the shooting of Marley William Lester Case, Miami Beach Police officials said.

Dvonn Reaux, 28, was arrested on a second-degree murder charge in the shooting of Marley William Lester Case, Miami Beach Police officials said Monday.

Records showed Reaux was being held Monday at the Broward County Jail after his arrest by the Broward Sheriff’s Office.

Central Florida

Vehicle found in fatal hit and run that killed an Orlando man

 Florida Highway Patrol now has the vehicle involved in last week’s hit-and-run crash that killed Jonnier Agosto Cortes, 28, of Orlando. FHP is processing 2010 Mitsubishi Galant and were processing it for evidence. They did not say if they had located the driver.

Gulf Coast

Tampa Man Indicted For Making A Bomb Threat To A Congressional Office

United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg the return by a grand jury of an indictment charging Rigoberto Albizar Martinez (56, Tampa) with making a telephonic threat to damage and destroy a building with an explosive. If convicted, Martinez faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison. 

According to the indictment, on May 1, 2024, Martinez called the District Office of a Member of the United States House of Representatives. During the call, Martinez threatened to place a bomb in the Congressional member’s Tampa office.

An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.          

This case was investigated by the United States Capitol Police – Threat Assessment Section. It will be prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Joe Wheeler III.

Tampa Police Chief addresses concerns after deadly shooting in SoHo

Tampa Police Chief Lee Bercaw met with homeowners and business owners on Monday after a deadly shooting over the weekend in SoHo. Detectives said the victims were targeted and the shooting stemmed from an altercation between two rival groups. Police are working to determine who fired the shots.