5 major Central Florida trials to watch for in 2025
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ORLANDO, Fla. - FOX 35 News has closely followed major criminal cases across Central Florida in recent years. Here’s a look at some high-profile trials set to begin in 2025.
Ellen Gilland
Ellen Gilland, 78, is accused of fatally shooting her terminally ill husband in a hospital room at AdventHealth in Daytona Beach in January 2023.
According to authorities, the couple had planned the act for weeks, intending for Gilland to end her husband's life and then her own. However, after shooting him in the head, which triggered a hospital lockdown, she was unable to follow through with the second part of the plan.
She told deputies after the shooting that she was going to have law enforcement take her life in an attempt of "suicide by cop", according to an arrest affidavit.
Gilland was initially charged with first-degree murder. However, her charges were amended to assisting self-murder/manslaughter, aggravated assault, and aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer.
Her trial is set to begin on Jan. 6, 2025.
Regina Hill
Suspended Orlando City Commissioner Regina Hill, 58, was arrested in March 2024 on charges including exploitation of the elderly, fraudulent use of personal identification, and mortgage fraud, according to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE).
The charges stemmed from a 13-month-long FDLE investigation that was sparked by a criminal complaint filed with the Florida Attorney General's Office in February 2023.
The investigation revealed that Hill allegedly established power of attorney over a 96-year-old woman and went on to buy a home with her listed as a co-owner without permission and also using her funds to buy a facelift, IV infusions, a New Year's Eve stay in Miami, car insurance, dental surgery, and other personal bills. These alleged transactions exceeded $100,000.
Hill's trial is slated for Jan. 27, 2025.
Tyshael Martin
In August 2024, Tyshael Martin was arrested near her Montverde home on multiple charges, including first-degree murder in the death of her boyfriend's 9-year-old daughter, Jamaria Sessions.
Martin's arrest came following an investigation after Jamaria was found unresponsive at the Harbor Oaks Drive home they shared on June 17, 2024. The young girl had injuries consistent with physical abuse, authorities said.
Tyshael Martin (Credit: Lake County jail)
Detectives executed a search warrant to obtain video footage from the family’s home security system. Recordings from June 15 showed Jamaria being attacked by the family's rottweiler, with Martin directing the assault while holding the dog's leash, deputies said.
The footage also reportedly showed Martin kicking Jamaria, dragging her nearly lifeless body, and continuing to strike and shake her. Martin was possibly heard saying, "I’m fixin’ to kill her," deputies said.
The Lake County Sheriff's Office said Martin faces additional charges of aggravated child abuse and child neglect.
Her trial begins on February 3, 2025.
Stephan Sterns
Stephan Sterns is set to begin trial for first-degree murder in the death of his girlfriend's daughter, 13-year-old Madeline Soto, on September 22, 2025.
Madeline was reported missing in February 2024 by her mother. The teen's body was later found just days later in rural Osceola County.
Sterns was initially arrested during the investigation into Madeline's disappearance on 60 counts of sexual-related crimes, including sexual battery, molestation, and possession of child sex abuse material, after voluntarily turning his phone over to law enforcement.
In April 2024, a grand jury later indicted Sterns on a first-degree murder charge in Madeline's death, but he will first stand trial for the sexual-related crimes on February 24, 2025.
The state is seeking the death penalty against Sterns.
Keith Moses
Keith Moses will stand trial on multiple charges, including first-degree murder, after authorities alleged he went on a shooting spree in Pine Hills in February 2023, killing 24-year-old Spectrum News 13 reporter Dylan Lyons, 9-year-old T’yonna Major and Nathacha Augustin, 38.
A hearing was held on May 26, 2023 for Keith Melvin Moses, the teenager accused of going on a shooting spree in Pine Hills, Florida that left an Orlando television reporter, a little girl, and a woman dead.
The shootings also injured Major's mother, and a Spectrum News 13 photographer.
Prosecutors have indicated their intention to pursue the death penalty if Moses is found guilty.
His trial is scheduled for September 29, 2025.