A reporter from Florida was on scene reporting on a homicide investigation when he was shot and killed.
Police believe that the man who was arrested for murdering the reporter and seriously wounding another colleague is also responsible for the murder of a 9-year-old girl at the same time as the murder they were covering.
Dylan Lyons, a Spectrum News 13 reporter in Orlando was covering a homicide scene that had occurred earlier in the morning.
Lyons and Spectrum News 13 photographer Jesse Walden, who was near the crime scene when they were shot, were dead about five hours later. Walden sustained serious injuries and Lyons was killed.
Police said that a 9-year-old girl, who was living on a nearby street, was killed and shot just minutes later. Her mother was also wounded but survived. The girl was later identified by police as T’yonna Major.
Spectrum News stated in a statement that:
We are saddened at the loss of our colleague as well as the many other lives lost today. During this difficult time, our thoughts and prayers are with the employee’s loved ones, friends, and coworkers. We are hopeful that the other injured colleague will make a full recovery. This is a horrible tragedy for Orlando.
This shocking incident attracted national attention, and even received a response from the White House.
Karine Jean-Pierre, White House press secretary, stated that “our hearts go out to their family and the crew member hurt in Orange County, Florida today, as well the entire Spectrum News team.” “Our hearts are with the families of the shooting victims, as well as the whole community.” Gun violence is destroying too many lives.”
Police believe one man is responsible. The suspect was arrested at the scene of the last shooting.
“So we have taken the suspect in the murder and the shootings this afternoon,” Orange County Sheriff John Mina stated. He is 19 years old Keith Melvin Moses. We expect him to be formally charged with the murder of Keith Melvin Moses this morning.
This is 19-year-old Keith Melvin Moses, the suspect in a series of shootings today that left three dead, in OCSO custody. This is a sad day for our community. Three were murdered today, including a woman in her 20s, a 9-year-old girl and a @MyNews13 employee. pic.twitter.com/DXXkxzRHl5
— Orange County Sheriff’s Office (@OrangeCoSheriff) February 23, 2023
Mina says the suspect has a long criminal history.
Mina stated that Mina was 19 years old and had a long criminal record, including gun charges, aggravated Battery and assault with a deadly weapon, burglary, and grand theft.
It is not clear what the motive behind the shootings was. The suspect was said to have known the victim. However, it is not clear if other victims were targeted by the suspect or if he acted in random acts.
