WEATHER ALERT
Orange County Sheriff John Mina fights deposition in Salaythis Melvin lawsuit
Read full article: Orange County Sheriff John Mina fights deposition in Salaythis Melvin lawsuitA federal court hearing has been scheduled to determine if Orange County Sheriff John Mina should be deposed as part of a federal lawsuit filed by the family of Salaythis Melvin.
Family of Salaythis Melvin files federal lawsuit against Orange County Sheriff’s Office
Read full article: Family of Salaythis Melvin files federal lawsuit against Orange County Sheriff’s OfficeThe family of a 22-year-old man shot and killed by an Orange County deputy last summer has filed a federal lawsuit against the sheriff’s office, court records show.
Parents of Salaythis Melvin break silence 8 months after deputy shot and killed their son
Read full article: Parents of Salaythis Melvin break silence 8 months after deputy shot and killed their sonIn the days after an Orange County deputy was accused of fatally shooting 21-year-old Salaythis Melvin, his mother Michelin McKee and father Ryan Findley have been trying to make sense of his death.
Salaythis Melvin’s family asked for patience as state attorney conducts new inquiry into deadly deputy shooting
Read full article: Salaythis Melvin’s family asked for patience as state attorney conducts new inquiry into deadly deputy shootingThe deputy-involved shooting spurred weeks of protests as community members demanded to see body camera video and for the officer to be fired.
Vice documentary to feature Orange County deputy-involved shooting of Salaythis Melvin
Read full article: Vice documentary to feature Orange County deputy-involved shooting of Salaythis MelvinORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – A new episode of the Vice documentary series will include coverage of Salaythis Melvin, the 22-year-old man fatally shot in the back at the Florida Mall last year by an Orange County deputy. The trailer for the Vice episode airing Sunday at 8 p.m. on Showtime also includes interviews with Orange County Sheriff John Mina and Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood. Orange County Sheriff’s Office media relations confirmed it did participate in the Vice documentary interview. Orange County Sheriff’s Office Agent James Montiel opened fire on Melvin on Aug. 7 outside the Florida Mall as the 22-year-old was running away across the parking lot. Hours of body camera video released by the sheriff’s office video have provided little insight into the shooting itself.
After outrage over Florida Mall shooting, Orange County Sheriff’s Office unveils new video policy
Read full article: After outrage over Florida Mall shooting, Orange County Sheriff’s Office unveils new video policyORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – In the days after an Orange County deputy shot Salaythis Melvin in the back outside the Florida Mall, members of the community protested in Melvin’s memory and demanded that video be released to show what led to the fatal gunfire. More video released on Aug. 26, 2020 showed first responders trying to help Melvin as he laid bleeding in the parking lot. The agent who shot 22-year-old Melvin didn’t have his body camera activated at the time. Public outcry was swift as protesters marched outside the Florida Mall calling for justice, transparency and access to the body camera footage. In the aftermath of the shooting, Orange County Sheriff John Mina said the situation was tricky because the Florida Department of Law Enforcement was reviewing the deputy-involved shooting, which is standard procedure.
FDLE turns over investigation of Salaythis Melvin shooting to prosecutors
Read full article: FDLE turns over investigation of Salaythis Melvin shooting to prosecutorsSalaythis Melvin was shot and killed by an Orange County Sheriff’s Office deputy on Aug. 7 while running away, according to deputies and body camera video of the incident. That warrant was not for Melvin and deputies did not know who he was at the time of the incident, body camera video shows. Deputies did not know the weapon was stolen until after the shooting, according to the attorneys for Melvin’s family. Melvin died of a single gunshot wound to the back, according to the Sheriff’s Office. Melvin’s death spurred calls for the deputy to be fired and policy changes at the sheriff’s office.
Orange County sheriff considers change in body camera policy after Florida Mall shooting
Read full article: Orange County sheriff considers change in body camera policy after Florida Mall shootingOn Thursday, Mina requested the Orange County citizen’s advisory committee review language in a body worn camera policy. “Yes it is important for us to release body worn camera video but only after initial interviews are done,” Mina said. The sheriff’s office said they hope the policy backed by recommendations from the FDLE would put in writing what the sheriff’s office is trying to comply with. Mina told the citizens advisory committee he recommended an at least three-week timeframe to release body worn camera footage. “It is important for us to release body worn camera video but only after initial interviews are done,” he said.
Citizens advisory committee to review Orange County Sheriff’s Office body cam policy
Read full article: Citizens advisory committee to review Orange County Sheriff’s Office body cam policyORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – The citizens advisory committee for the Orange County Sheriff’s Office is expected to discuss the department’s body camera policy during its virtual meeting on Thursday. The meeting comes two months after an Orange County sheriff’s deputy shot and killed Salaythis Melvin outside the Florida Mall. The sheriff’s office released body camera footage showing other deputies responding, but Montiel was not wearing a camera. The sheriff’s office said they are currently working on that policy, which is a separate policy from their current body camera policy, which is under review. Braswell said there is no timeline on how long they will review the policy or if the committee will make any recommendations.
Activists voice concern over proposed $15 million increase for Orange County Sheriff’s Office
Read full article: Activists voice concern over proposed $15 million increase for Orange County Sheriff’s OfficeORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – More than 20 protesters gathered before Orange County commissioners met Thursday afternoon. Demonstrators have been protesting for weeks following the shooting death of 22-year-old Salaythis Melvin, who was shot in the back by a sheriff’s deputy. “I urge you to take immediate action, to support black lives matter, to uproot systematic racism to protect our communities and reject a $15 million increase to the Orange County Sheriff’s Office.”Some demanded that funds should be pulled from law enforcement. “We want justice for Salaythis Melvin, he was shot and killed, you know at the Florida Mall,” another speaker said. Sheriff John Mina challenged the calls to defund the sheriff’s office and said that is not the way to go.
Sheriff John Mina considering policy changes after Salaythis Melvin shooting
Read full article: Sheriff John Mina considering policy changes after Salaythis Melvin shootingSince then, hours of body camera video from the shooting has been released as protesters have called for the sheriff to fire the deputy who opened fire. When asked about the release of the video compared to other Central Florida agencies who release video sooner, the sheriff said he was following protocol. Daytona Beach police officers shot and killed an attempted murder suspect on Saturday morning, the department released the body camera video that night. “Our deputies are trained that anytime they’re in fear for their life or the lives of others they are authorized to use deadly force,” Mina said. The first body camera video from the shooting at the Florida Mall was released on the evening of Aug. 18, Florida’s primary election day.
Orange County Sheriff John Mina sits down to talk about Salaythis Melvin shooting
Read full article: Orange County Sheriff John Mina sits down to talk about Salaythis Melvin shootingORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – Orange County Sheriff John Mina met behind closed doors with state leaders and a local activist on Tuesday to discuss the deputy-involved shooting death of a man at the Florida Mall. Salaythis Melvin, 22, was shot in the back on Aug. 7 as he ran from Agent James Montiel in the parking lot of Dick’s Sporting Goods. People want know what’s happening with the case, and we’re open to letting people know,” Mina told News 6 after the meeting. The meeting with Mina was held in Bracy’s Metrowest office with Rep. Travaris McCurdy, D-Orlando. Mulrain has helped organize many of the demonstrations that have happened around Orange County since Melvin’s shooting.
New video released of fatal shooting of Salaythis Melvin
Read full article: New video released of fatal shooting of Salaythis MelvinORANGE COUNTY, Fla. A new video has been released of the fatal shooting of Salaythis Melvin. [RELATED: New body camera video doesnt offer insight into what led to deputy fatally shooting Salaythis Melvin]The video is surveillance from a camera at the Florida Mall on Aug. 27, the day Melvin was shot in the back by an Orange County deputy. The deputy said he feared Melvin was reaching for a gun in his waistband. The attorney said the video is not the best and it was taken from far away and it shows some activity in the top center of the screen. From this video, it is hard to see what is happening.
Mothers protest for Salaythis Melvin, call on deputy who killed him to be fired
Read full article: Mothers protest for Salaythis Melvin, call on deputy who killed him to be firedORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – Protests continued outside the Orange County Sheriff’s Office three weeks after a deputy shot and killed a man at the Florida Mall. That warrant was not for Melvin and deputies did not know who he was, even asking his name in the body camera video. Melvin died of a single gunshot wound to the back, according to the Sheriff’s Office. The sheriff’s office released more body camera video this week. He said he asked the mall and sheriff’s office for the video, but he hasn’t received it.
March on Washington commemoration held in Orlando
Read full article: March on Washington commemoration held in OrlandoORLANDO, Fla. About 100 people gathered in downtown Orlando on Friday night to mark the 57th anniversary of the March on Washington. More than 100 people rallied for reform at a March on Washington commemoration rally in downtown Orlando. Crowd takes a knee at March on Washington rally in downtown Orlando as they shout name of Salaythis Melvin @news6wkmg pic.twitter.com/52V8b3RNuZ Erik Sandoval (@ErikSandoval) August 28, 20205:42 p.m. The crowd is listening to Martin Luther King Jr.s I Have a Dream speech at Orlando City Hall. The March on Washington rally in Orlando started at 5:12 p.m.
New body camera video doesn’t offer insight into what led to deputy fatally shooting Salaythis Melvin
Read full article: New body camera video doesn’t offer insight into what led to deputy fatally shooting Salaythis MelvinThat warrant was not for Melvin and deputies did not know who he was, even asking his name in the body camera video. The Sheriff’s Office said its records department is going through more than 10 hours of body worn camera footage surrounding the shooting before it can be made public. I was just involved in an officer-involved shooting,” Montiel says to someone while speaking on his radio. On Thursday, the sheriff’s office released more video showing the aftermath of the shooting. He said they also plan to sue the Sheriff’s Office and are demanding policy changes.
‘What happened to a taser?‘ Salaythis Melvin’s family demands answers in his shooting
Read full article: ‘What happened to a taser?‘ Salaythis Melvin’s family demands answers in his shootingORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – The family of a man shot in the back and killed by an Orange County sheriff’s deputy earlier this month is calling for answers as the investigation into the shooting continues. “Y’all are supposed to protect and serve, but y’all haven’t protected and served nobody,” said Sixx Jones, Melvin’s cousin. Jones and several other family members gathered at the Orange County Sheriff’s Office on Monday holding up signs demanding more information be released in the investigation into Melvin’s death. That wasn’t welcome news for Melvin’s family, who said they wanted to hear directly from the man who pulled the trigger, James Montiel. We haven’t heard nothing from him, yet.”Mina announced there is more video that shows what happened at the Florida Mall on Aug. 7.
Protesters march near Florida Mall where 22-year-old was fatally shot by deputy
Read full article: Protesters march near Florida Mall where 22-year-old was fatally shot by deputyORLANDO, Fla. – About 100 protesters took to the streets around Florida Mall on Friday, demanding answers in the deputy-involved shooting death of Salaythis Melvin. The Florida Mall shut down early Friday ahead of a planned protest. He and the other protesters who gathered called on the Orange County Sheriff’s Office to criminally charge the deputy who fired his weapon. “We need the sheriff, we need the Orange County mayor, we need all of them to take direct action,” he said. Orange County Sheriff’s Office deputies are ordering the protesters to leave the roadway and disperse immediately.
Deputy didn’t use racial slur after man was shot at Florida Mall, sheriff’s office says
Read full article: Deputy didn’t use racial slur after man was shot at Florida Mall, sheriff’s office saysORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – After body camera video was released showing an Orange County deputy shooting a man in the back outside the Florida Mall, attorneys representing the family of the man who was killed said it was possible that one of the deputies may have used a racial slur. On Thursday, the Orange County Sheriff’s Office addressed the allegation in a statement posted on social media. The footage in question shows the moments after Orange County Sheriff’s Office Agent James Montiel opened fire on Salaythis Melvin on Aug. 7 outside the Florida Mall as the 22-year-old was running away. The video provided by the Sheriff’s Office, embedded above, shows several deputies approaching Melvin as he was lying on the pavement. [READ MORE: Demonstrators call for Orange County deputy’s body camera video to be released | ‘We want justice:’ Family demands answers in fatal deputy-involved shooting outside Florida Mall]The Orange County Sheriff’s Office said it launched an inquiry.
‘Make them think twice:’ Family of man killed by Orange County deputy demands policy changes
Read full article: ‘Make them think twice:’ Family of man killed by Orange County deputy demands policy changesThat warrant was not for Melvin and deputies did not know who he was, even asking his name in the body camera video. Melvin died of a single gunshot wound to the back, according to the Sheriff’s Office. “Sheriff Mina, is this a good policy to have unmarked vehicles and unmarked officers, serving arrest warrants?” Haynes asked. A spokesperson for the sheriff’s Office said they were notified Tuesday the FDLE completed its last initial interview. News 6 asked the sheriff’s office to explain the process it took to release the videos and we’re waiting for a response.
Body camera video shows deputy shooting man in back at Florida Mall
Read full article: Body camera video shows deputy shooting man in back at Florida MallAccording to an arrest affidavit, Orange County Sheriff’s Office Agent James Montiel opened fire on Salaythis Melvin, 22, on Aug. 7 outside the Florida Mall. The video released on Tuesday is too far away to show if Melvin has a weapon in his hands. Carlus Haynes and Bradley Laurent, the attorneys representing Melvin’s mother, have been asking the Sheriff’s Office to release body camera video from the deputy who shot Melvin and those who were in the area. Audio begins recording once the camera is activated, according to the Sheriff’s Office. The first video showing Melvin, shows law enforcement officers approaching a group in the parking lot and Melvin running away.
Demonstrators call for Orange County deputy’s body camera video to be released
Read full article: Demonstrators call for Orange County deputy’s body camera video to be releasedORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – A group of demonstrators walked in front of cars in a busy Orange County intersection Friday afternoon calling for the Sheriff’s Office to release body camera video from the deputy who fatally shot a 22-year-old in the back last week. The deputy drew his firearm and told Melvin to drop his gun but Melvin instead ran, according to the affidavit. Melvin’s family and friends have demanded answers and asked the Sheriff’s Office to release video from the deputy’s body camera. On Friday, protesters on Orange Blossom Trail carried signs and wore T-shirts with Melvin’s photo demanding the video to be released. Demonstrators inside Florida Mall demand the release of body camera video showing a fatal deputy-involved shooting.
Deputies say they can’t yet release body camera video of fatal shooting at Florida Mall
Read full article: Deputies say they can’t yet release body camera video of fatal shooting at Florida MallORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – The Orange County Sheriff’s Office released a statement Friday afternoon saying that the agency has been asked to not yet release body camera footage of a deputy-involved shooting at the Florida Mall, despite public outcry. A deputy shot a man in the back last week, killing him, during a confrontation at the Florida Mall, according to an arrest affidavit. Deputies were surveilling a felony suspect wanted on a warrant for possessing a firearm by a convicted felon for a gang-related shooting in July. [MORE: Orange County deputy fatally shot man in the back at Florida Mall, report shows]Deputies said three of the four of the suspects surrendered. The deputy drew his firearm and told Melvin to drop his gun but Melvin instead ran, according to the affidavit.
He did not deserve to be shot in the back: Attorneys demand answers in fatal deputy-involved shooting outside Florida Mall
Read full article: He did not deserve to be shot in the back: Attorneys demand answers in fatal deputy-involved shooting outside Florida MallAccording to an arrest affidavit, Agent James Montiel opened fire on Salaythis Melvin, 22, on Friday outside the Florida Mall. Carlus Haynes and Bradley Laurent, the attorneys representing Melvins mother, said he was not the person deputies were looking for. The day of the shooting, Mina would not say if Melvin pointed his gun at the deputy. The attorneys also claim the sheriff's office delayed notifying Melvin's mother about the shooting and her son's passing. A spokesperson said in a statement, Due to the potential of litigation, neither we nor Sheriff Mina will be able to address any of these issues posed by the familys attorney.
Orange County deputy fatally shot man in the back at Florida Mall, report shows
Read full article: Orange County deputy fatally shot man in the back at Florida Mall, report showsORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – An Orange County Sheriff’s Office deputy shot a man in the back, killing him, during a confrontation at the Florida Mall on Friday, according to an arrest affidavit. When deputies approached, 22-year-old Salaythis Melvin ran away and toward Montiel, who got out of his unmarked vehicle and saw Melvin holding a stolen Glock handgun, records show. Montiel drew his firearm and told Melvin to drop his gun but Melvin instead ran, according to the affidavit. “Agent Montiel stated Melvin turned his head and started to face him while still holding the firearm,” the report reads. Orange County Sheriff John Mina said video exists of the shooting and it will be reviewed as part of an investigation into the deadly use of force incident.
Orange County deputy shoots armed man at Florida Mall, sheriff says
Read full article: Orange County deputy shoots armed man at Florida Mall, sheriff saysORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – A man who was shot by an Orange County deputy outside a mall on Friday died as a result of his injuries on Saturday, according to the Orange County Sheriff’s Office. The man has been identified as 22-year-old Salaythis Melvin, deputies said. An Orange County deputy opened fire Friday on Melvin, who was armed with a stolen Glock handgun outside the Florida Mall, according to Sheriff John Mina. pic.twitter.com/PrsymC1qqF — Orange County Sheriff's Office (@OrangeCoSheriff) August 7, 2020During the encounter, Melvin fled and deputies chased after him. Law enforcement activity near Florida Mall.