LAKE COUNTY, Fla. – The woman accused of orchestrating an ambush attack that killed one Lake County deputy and injured two others pleaded not guilty to a list of charges, including murder, according to court records.
Julie Jefferson Sulpizio, 48, was arrested for her alleged involvement in the deadly ambush of Lake County deputies in rural Eustis on Friday. She faces charges of premeditated first-degree murder on a law enforcement officer, seven counts of attempted murder and four counts of battery.
According to a court document filed Thursday, Julie Sulpizio pleaded not guilty to those charges and waived her appearance for her arraignment hearing.
[TIMELINE: What exactly happened in Lake County ambush attack of 3 deputies]
Master Deputy Sheriff Bradley Michael Link was killed, Deputy First Class Stefano Gargano was critically injured and Master Deputy Sheriff Harold Howell was injured in the attack when they were directed to a home by Julie Sulpizio. Gargano had his fifth surgery on Thursday and was recovering from the procedure, while Howell was released from the hospital earlier this week and is now recovering at home.
Inside the home were Julie Jefferson Sulpizio’s husband and two daughters — Michael Sulpizio, 48; Cheyenne Sulpizio, 23; and Savannah Sulpizio, 22 — who turned their guns on themselves following a shootout, according to law enforcement.
An arrest affidavit for Julie Sulpizio says the family worked together and the criminal act was “planned, rehearsed, and executed in part by Julie Sulpizio.” Sheriff Peyton Grinnell said his deputies were ambushed at the house, and that during a post-Miranda interview, Julie Sulpizio claimed that she was God and that Michael Sulpizio is the Guardian Angel Michael which obeys her command.
A search warrant executed at the Sulpizio’s home on Brookside Drive led to a discovery of a stockpile of firearms.
“An excess of 20 firearms ranging from high caliber rifles, pistols, and shotguns appear to have been gathered and were placed and staged in the living room area. Ammunition had also been stockpiled in the living room,” the sheriff said. “Masks, body armor, ghillie suits, medical bags, ‘bugout’ bags, MRE’s and bottled water stockpiled.”
The sheriff’s office has said they also found anti-government propaganda within the residence. They are still working to learn more about the Sulpizio family and their motives.
Sulpizio was denied bond earlier this week during a first appearance.
A celebration of life will be held Saturday for Master Deputy Bradley Link at Real Life Christian Church in Clermont. News 6 will stream the service live on ClickOrlando.com and on air.
[RELATED: Fallen Florida deputy to be honored with celebration of life at church he attended]
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