Mount Dora police: $10K reward offered in 'heinous' murder of married Florida couple
MOUNT DORA, Fla. - Officials are offering a $10,000 reward for information that leads to an arrest in the murders of an elderly Florida couple found dead in Mount Dora over New Year's weekend.
The Mount Dora Police Department said a husband and wife – both in their 80s – were found dead inside an apartment at Waterman Village senior living community on Waterman Avenue around 4 p.m. on Saturday.
Officers found the couple after a security guard called 911 to report the incident.
Extra security at Florida senior living community after couple found dead
Security is now heightened at the Waterman Village senior living community in Mount Dora after a couple was found dead inside an apartment over New Year's weekend. Detectives said they are investigating the case as a homicide, and the circumstances around their deaths are suspicious.
Detectives said they are investigating the case as a homicide, and the circumstances around their deaths are considered suspicious.
Multiple agencies including the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) and the Lake County Sheriff's Office are working on the case. Mount Dora's police chief said the department doesn't have the forensic capabilities to process a crime scene, so they have brought in the state for extra help.
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Officials held a town hall meeting Monday morning, and were tight-lipped about sharing new details regarding the case, as it remains an active investigation.
"This case is fast-moving," Mount Dora Police Chief Mike Gibson said. "I feel very confident that we're going to have a successful conclusion." "If anyone has any information that may lead to a successful investigation and prosecution of this heinous crime, please let us know," he added.
City officials doubled down on their message that Mt. Dora is a safe place in which to live.
"There really is no need to feel unsafe in our city. There is no need to feel like you have to watch your back. You’re as safe as two, three days ago," Mayor Crissy Stiles told the crowd.
While detectives continue to look for leads, long-time Mt. Dora residents like Zan Hussain tell me they are confident in the police department and what will come of their investigation.
"It is kind of sad and hard to hear about what happened to those folks too, as well. So I do trust that I feel safe, but I do hope that something is able to get resolved with it," Hussain said.
"We will get to a successful conclusion in this case," Chief Gibson added.
To share a tip about the case with law enforcement, you're asked to call Crimeline at 1-800-432-TIPS (8477).