76º

Man sentenced to life in prison for attacking family with branch cutters

Lyndell Demps, 52, found guilty on all counts after a 3-day trial

Lyndell Demps faces multiple charges for attempted murder, home invasion robbery and three counts of kidnapping, in addition to several other felonies. (Orlando Police Department)

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – The 52-year-old man police said broke into an Orlando home and attacked the people inside with branch cutters was sentenced to life in prison on Monday, according to a news release from the Ninth Circuit Court.

According to the release, Lyndell Demps, “a repeat violent felony offender” was found guilty by a jury on all counts after a three-day trial. He was charged with home invasion robbery, aggravated battery with a deadly weapon and three counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon in the June 15, 2023, attack on Mallard Pond Court.

Recommended Videos



Officers said they responded to the home invasion as it was happening around 2 a.m.

When Demps was confronted by the homeowner, police said he took a pair of branch cutters and began striking the victim in the head. Demps then entered the home, attacking more adults inside before stealing their cellphones and money and fleeing the scene, according to officers.

According to the release, a man suffered several facial and hand injuries in the attack that was captured on surveillance video inside and outside of the home.

According to officers, Lyndell Demps started attacking people with branch cutters after breaking into their home early Thursday. (Orlando Police Department)

Later that evening, deputies with the Orange County Sheriff’s Office arrested Demps after he broke into a daycare. They were then able to identify Demps because he matched the suspect description provided in the home invasion case, according to the release.

One of the victims also positively identified Demps from a photo lineup.

Officials said the home invasion was committed seven months after his release from prison after serving nearly 26 years for an attempted carjacking in 1996.


Get today’s headlines in minutes with Your Florida Daily:


About the Author

Jacob joined ClickOrlando.com in 2022. He spent 19 years at the Orlando Sentinel, mostly as a photojournalist and video journalist, before joining Spectrum News 13 as a web editor and digital journalist in 2021.

Recommended Videos