It’s Been A Week And The Gunman Who Killed Asiya Roberts-Husband Is Still Being Sought By Haines City Police

Carl Fish
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It’s Been A Week And The Gunman Who Killed Asiya Roberts-Husband Is Still Being Sought By Haines City Police

Just one week ago, on Friday, December 27th, Haines City was shaken by a heart-wrenching tragedy that claimed the life of a vibrant young woman named Asiya. The incident unfolded near the intersection of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Way and Avenue K, around 6:22 PM, when Asiya and her employer were traveling in a white transport van. In a shocking turn
of events, an unknown suspect in a 4-door sedan unleashed a barrage of gunfire tragically striking Asiya, cutting her life short in an act of senseless violence. The driver of the van also sustained injuries, but thankfully has received medical
care and is on the path to recovery.


In the wake of this devastating loss, the Haines City Police Department is working tirelessly to piece together the events that led to Asiya’s untimely death. We are reaching out to the community, emphasizing the vital role that each individual can play in seeking justice for Asiya and her family. If anyone has even the smallest bit of information regarding this
tragic incident, they are strongly encouraged to come forward. Together, the community has the power to bring comfort to Asiya’s grieving family and to help ensure that the parties responsible for this never victimize our community again.


Haines City Police Department remains steadfast in our commitment to uncovering the truth and holding those responsible accountable. As we reflect on the life of Asiya and the light she brought to those around her, let us unite in the hope that justice will prevail and that her memory will inspire change within our community.


We understand that fear or a sense of misguided loyalty can make people hesitant to speak out. However, we want to reassure our citizens that anonymity is guaranteed through Heartland Crime Stoppers. Heartland Crime Stoppers can be contacted by calling 1-888-400-TIPS (8477), through their website at www.heartlandcrimestoppers.com, or on their free P3tips app compatible with any smartphone or tablet.


Haines City Police Department is offering a $2,500 reward in addition to Heartland Crime Stoppers $5,000 reward, for a total of $7,500 for anyone that can provide information that leads to the arrest of those responsible for this senseless
act.

There is no better time than now to do the right thing and speak up, so we can bring justice to Asiya, a beloved
daughter, mother, sister, aunt, friend, and member of our community.

Polk Deputies Arrest Armed Robbery Suspects Who Reportedly Robbed Victim At 7-Eleven Christmas Day

Carl Fish
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Polk Deputies Arrest Armed Robbery Suspects Who Reportedly Robbed Victim At 7-Eleven Christmas Day

Polk County Sheriff’s Office Robbery detectives identified and arrested two suspects who robbed a man at gunpoint on Christmas Day (December 25, 2024) in the 7-Eleven parking lot on Finley Avenue in Davenport. 

The victim who was robbed was visiting family in Polk County and staying in a Davenport Airbnb. Around 5:00 p.m. on December 25th, the victim went to the 7-Eleven to clean up a coffee spill in the back of his car. He parked his car next to the vacuum and car wash area in the parking lot, proceeded to clean inside his car, then went inside the store to retrieve more napkins.

While he was inside the store, the two suspects, Christian Ayala (DOB 5/1/1999) and Najee Mears (DOB 7/20/1990) drove into the parking lot in Ayala’s gray Honda Accord and parked in front of the victim’s car. When the victim went back to his car, the suspects confronted him. Mears pointed a gun at the victim and told him to “give them what he had” and “don’t try anything, or I will shoot you.” The victim handed over his backpack that contained his wallet and personal belongings, including cash and credit cards. 

The victim gave deputies a detailed description of the suspects and their vehicle. Video surveillance was also obtained, which corroborated the victim’s statements and descriptions. PCSO Robbery detectives were able to identify the suspect vehicle, which was registered at an address on Sunny Day Way in Davenport.

On December 31, 2024, detectives responded to that address and made contact with Ayala and his mother, who confirmed Ayala lives there and that she rents a room to Mears. Ayala cooperated with detectives at the scene, and admitted to committing the armed robbery with Mears.

Initially, Mears refused to come out of the house, and was seen by detectives on the perimeter trying to jump over the back fence of the property. He ultimately surrendered peacefully and also confessed to the crime.

During a search of their rooms, detectives found the victim’s backpack and the personal belongings that were inside of it. They also seized 45.90 grams of marijuana from Mears’ room, and 35.60 grams of marijuana from Ayala’s room. Mears also had a Smith and Wesson 9mm handgun in his room.

Najee Mears has an outstanding Polk County warrant for failure to appear (original charge, petit theft) and two prior felony convictions in New Jersey for unlawful possession of a firearm and criminal trespassing. Ayala is currently on probation for possession of marijuana over 20 grams. 

Mears was booked into the Polk County Jail and charged with:

  • Armed robbery (FL)
  • Conspiracy to commit armed robbery (F2)
  • Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon (F2)
  • Possession of marijuana over 20 grams (F3)
  • Possession of drug paraphernalia (M1)
  • Resisting arrest (M1)

Ayala was booked into the Polk County Jail and charged with:

  • Armed robbery (FL)
  • Conspiracy to commit armed robbery (F2)
  • Possession of marijuana over 20 grams (F3)
  • Possession of drug paraphernalia (M1)
  • Violation of probation (M2)

“These two were certainly not celebrating Christmas appropriately – they were sticking a gun in someone’s face. Luckily they didn’t shoot the victim or anyone else, and thanks to the swift actions and excellent investigative skills of my detectives, they are now both behind bars.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff

Father Charged With DUI Manslaughter In Death Of His Daughter In Fiery Crash

Carl Fish
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Father Charged With DUI Manslaughter In Death Of His Daughter In Fiery Crash

On December 31, 2024, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office arrested and charged 30-year-old Kody Wills of Lakeland, with DUI manslaughter (F2), DUI causing serious bodily injury (F3), and two counts of negligent child abuse (F2), for causing the death of his daughter and serious injury to his son when he crashed his Kia on Broadway Street in Lakeland on November 7th. 

PCSO Traffic Homicide Investigators recently received the toxicology report from the University of Florida Pathology Lab, which revealed Wills’ blood alcohol content just after the crash to be three times the legal limit at .25 grams of ethanol per liter of blood (the legal threshold is .08).

The following is an excerpt from his affidavit, and it is self-explanatory:

On Thursday, November 7th, 2024, at approximately 6:26 pm Kody Jo Wills (White male, DOB 05/03/1994) was operating his 2013 Kia four-door passenger car on Broadway Street near Lake Parker Drive, Lakeland, Polk County, Florida when he ran a stop sign and crossed the roadway striking a tree. As a result of the crash, the vehicle caught on fire and Kody Jo Wills’ five-year old daughter died. Additionally, his three-year old son received serious bodily injuries in the form of burns to the face.

An examination of the crash scene revealed there was no obvious evidence of pre-impact braking. Based on the final rest position of Wills’ vehicle, extensive damage, and the short distance traveled; it is consistent that Wills failed to stop at the stop sign located at the intersection of Broadway Street and Lake Parker Drive.

During the crash investigation, Deputy Justin Register responded to the Lakeland Regional Health Medical Center and contacted Kody Jo Wills in the emergency room at approximately 8:39 pm. Deputy Register could smell the odor of what he commonly associates with an alcoholic beverage coming from Wills’ breath. Additionally, Wills’ eyes appeared watery. Post-Miranda, Wills admitted he was driving his vehicle at the time of the crash and that the only passengers in the vehicle were his juvenile children which he had just picked up from their grandfather’s residence. Wills stated he was driving home at the time of the crash and missed a turn. Wills stated after the crash he got out of his vehicle and attempted to get his son out, but he fell to the ground. A stranger then came and helped. When asked about the odor of alcohol, Wills admitted he had one shot of Maker’s Mark alcohol earlier in the afternoon at approximately 1:00 pm. 

Deputy Register performed the Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus task on Wills while in the emergency room and Wills exhibited six clues of impairment. Wills had lack of smooth pursuit in both eyes, onset before 45 degrees in both eyes, and nystagmus at maximum deviation in both eyes. Deputy Register was unable to perform any standing Standardized Field Sobriety Tasks (SFST’s) due to Wills’ injuries and ongoing medical treatment. Wills received a broken ankle, an acetabular fracture, and multiple fractured ribs as a result of the crash and was admitted to Lakeland Regional Health Medical Center.

Based on Deputy Register’s observations of Wills and his post-Miranda statement, the affiant authored a search warrant for a legal blood draw to determine the alcohol content of Wills’ blood from the vials of blood drawn from him for medical purposes on November 7th, 2024. A review of the certified medical records revealed that Kody Jo Wills’ medical blood (serum) tested positive for ethanol alcohol at a level of 263 mg / dL. Additionally, the records document that Dr. Shannon Covitz diagnoses included “Alcohol Intoxication” as part of his medical condition at the time of treatment. The vials of blood were sent to the University of Florida Pathology Laboratories for testing. 

On Thursday, December 26th, 2024 the affiant received the toxicology result from The University of Florida Pathology Laboratories for testing. Director of Toxicology Dr. Chris W. Chronister, Ph.D., F-ABFT certified that the blood sample from Kody Jo Wills on November 7th, 2024, tested positive for ethanol alcohol at a level of .25 grams/dL. 

Based on the totality of the crash investigation, the affiant has reason to believe that Kody Jo Wills was knowingly and intentionally operating a motor vehicle on the roadways of Polk County, Florida with a blood alcohol level of .25 grams/dL which is greater than .08 grams/dL. While operating the motor vehicle, Wills was involved in a motor vehicle crash that caused the death of a human being which was his daughter. Additionally, his son received serious bodily injuries in the form of burns which will leave permanent scarring. Additionally, by knowingly and intentionally operating a motor vehicle on the roadways of Polk County, Florida with an unlawful blood alcohol level: Kody Jo Wills knowingly and intentionally endangered / neglected both children who were juveniles in his custody and care as their biological parent. The endangerment / neglect led to a motor vehicle crash which caused the death of the five-year old child and permanent disfigurement of the three-year old child.

Wills was taken into custody and booked into the Polk County Jail. He will have a first appearance hearing on January 1, 2025.

“Nothing will bring this beautiful child back to her family, nor heal the injuries to her brother or the emotional devastation that Kody Wills has caused to so many people. We know that it has been a horrific seven weeks for this family while our detectives made sure to cross every T and dot every I throughout every step of this investigation; we are confident that we have done everything in our power to ensure Kody Wills is charged appropriately with every felony that he committed, and hopeful that justice will be served. Please continue to pray for this family.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff

NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE:

Staff Reporter
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NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE:


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Notice is hereby given that on 01/16/2025 at 09:00 AM the following vehicles(s) may be sold at public sale at 720 PINE ST AUBURNDALE FL 33823 for the amount owed on each vehicle to satisfy the lien for repairs, services and storage charges and any administrative fees allowed pursuant to Florida Statute 713.585.2C3CDZC98FH816026 2015 DODG 18949.46

The name, address and telephone number and public sale location of the repair shop claiming the lien for unpaid charges is:
Lienor Name: BME AUTO & TRUCK SALE LLC
Lienor Address: 720 PINE ST, AUBURNDALE, FL 33823
Lienor Telephone #: 863-808-9829
MV License #: MV111561
Location of Vehicles: 720 PINE ST, AUBURNDALE, FL 33823

The customer or person claiming an interest, or a lien may redeem the vehicle by satisfying the amount due in cash on or before the sale date and time. The customer or person claiming an interest in or lien on a vehicle may file a demand
for a hearing with the Clerk of Court in the POLK County where the vehicle is held to determine whether the vehicle has been wrongfully taken or withheld from him or her. At any time before the date of sale a customer or person of
record claiming a lien on the vehicle may post a cash or surety bond in the amount stated on the invoice with the Clerk of Circuit Court where the disputed transaction occurred.

Haines City Police Arrest Man Charging Him With Attempted Murder After Domestic Situation Gets Ugly

Carl Fish
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Haines City Police Arrest Man Charging Him With Attempted Murder After Domestic Situation Gets Ugly

HAINES CITY, FL – The Haines City Police Department Criminal Investigations Division is investigating a shooting that occurred in the area of Tennessee Street within the city limits of Haines City.


On Sunday, December 29, 2024, at approximately 5:45 P.M., a 911 call was received from a homeowner, stating someone had been shot at their residence.
When officers arrived on scene, a 42-year-old Hispanic male was located inside the residence with multiple gunshot wounds to his upper torso. Haines City officers initiated lifesaving efforts to stabilize him until he could be transported to a local hospital for medical care. At this time, the victim has serious injuries, but is expected to eventually recover.


At this point in the investigation, evidence suggests the suspect, Jervin Omar Mendieta Romero, H/M, 08/20/1984, and his former domestic partner of over 20 years, a 40-year-old Hispanic female, were going through a difficult separation. Throughout their separation (which occurred over four months ago), Mendieta Romero has been sending messages to
his ex-domestic partner, threatening violence and death, including a picture of him holding a firearm.

On Sunday, December 29th, Mendieta Romero informed the female he would be coming to her residence. Later that evening, around 5:45 P.M., Mendieta Romero knocked on the front door, but the occupants refused to answer the door.
Mendieta Romero then walked to the back of the residence, removed a screen, and entered the residence through a window. Once inside, Mendieta Romero confronted the residents inside, his ex-domestic partner and her new boyfriend. A verbal altercation ensued between Mendieta Romero and his ex-partner’s new boyfriend, at which point
Mendieta Romero pulled out a firearm and shot the male victim multiple times. The female was in the residence at the time of the shooting, but was not injured. In all, Mendieta Romero fired 5 shots, striking the victim in the hand, chest, shoulder, and grazing his head. During the onslaught of rounds he was firing towards the victim, the suspect managed to shoot off his own ring finger in the process. This caused the suspect to drop the firearm and flee the residence on foot, leaving his vehicle behind.


Officers from the Haines City Police Department, Lake Alfred Police Department, and the Polk County Sheriff’s Office converged on the area to establish a perimeter to contain the dangerous suspect. With the assistance of Polk County Sheriff K-9 Reno and his handler Deputy Sheriff Giles, the suspect was apprehended hiding in some trees, within a mile
of the incident location.


Haines City Police have charged Romero with the following offenses:

Attempted first-degree murder

Auburndale Pizza Connection Evacuated And Fire Rescue Battling Active Fire

Carl Fish
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Auburndale Pizza Connection Evacuated And Fire Rescue Battling Active Fire

The Polk County Fire Rescue is currently on scene of a commercial structure fire at Pizza Connection in Auburndale. According to initial reports the incident was called in at 9:02pm. One person was still inside as fire rescue arrived and may need medical attention.

The fire is active and they are currently putting water on it. Flames shooting from the roof.

The address is listed as 220 Lake Ave E. Please avoid the area at this time.

The restaurant is typically closed on Sundays, but appears one person was inside the restaurant at the time of the call.

Update: 9:39pm no more active Fire.

Former President Jimmy Carter Has Passed Away At 100 Yrs Old

Carl Fish
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Former President Jimmy Carter Has Passed Away At 100 Yrs Old

Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, the 39th president and a Nobel Peace Prize laureate, passed away today at the age of 100 in his hometown of Plains, Georgia.

Born on October 1, 1924, in Plains, Carter graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1946 and served in the Navy until 1953, when he returned to Georgia to manage his family’s peanut farming business. His political career began with his election to the Georgia State Senate in 1962, followed by his tenure as Governor of Georgia from 1971 to 1975. In 1976, he was elected the 39th President of the United States, serving from 1977 to 1981.

Carter’s presidency was marked by significant achievements, including the Camp David Accords, which led to a peace treaty between Israel and Egypt. However, his term also faced challenges such as the Iran hostage crisis and economic difficulties. After leaving office, Carter dedicated himself to humanitarian efforts, notably through the Carter Center, which he founded in 1982 to promote human rights and alleviate human suffering. His post-presidential work earned him the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002.

In recent years, Carter faced health challenges and entered hospice care in February 2023. He celebrated his 100th birthday in October 2024, becoming the longest-lived U.S. president.

Carter’s legacy is characterized by his commitment to peace, human rights, and public service. He is survived by his family and a grateful nation that honors his contributions to both the country and the world.

J.C. Reviews: Hundreds of Beavers is a Laugh Riot

Staff Reporter
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J.C. Reviews: Hundreds of Beavers is a Laugh Riot
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by James Coulter

It’s the end of the year. Rather than spend it going out to the theaters, I’ve decided to catch up on watching films I missed out on earlier this year.

That’s probably a good decision since there are not many “good'” movies out right now. I refuse, on principle, to watch the live-action Lion King prequel. Same with Kraven the Hunter. And while Sonic 3 looks good, I still haven’t watched the first two Sonic movies.

So, what movies have I decided to watch instead? Well, I could catch up on seeing the second Joker movie or The Crow remake, but, personally, a root canal without anesthesia would probably be a more enjoyable experience.

In the end, I’ve opted to watch an indie film that’s considered to be the funniest movie of the year–and chances are, most of y’all have never heard of it. That movie is: Hundreds of Beavers.

Never heard of it? I don’t blame you. It’s an indie film that ran the rounds on the indie film circuit earlier this year. It was later released onto video-on-demand, but it’s currently available to watch for free on Tubi and YouTube.

But is this indie comedy worth the hype? Is Hundreds of Beavers worth the hundreds of accolades and praise it has received? Or is it a real groaner that’s worth only hundreds of groans and sighs?

Hundreds of Beavers is an indie slapstick filmed in black-and-white, styled after the comedy flicks of the early 20th Century. The story follows the misadventures and misfortunes of an applejack salesman named Jean Kayak. After his orchard and home are comically destroyed, Jean is forced to brave the cold, unforgiving winter.

To survive, Jean becomes a fur trapper, catching rascally varmints to trade for supplies. Eventually, he falls in love with the merchant’s daughter. But the merchant, being a stern father figure, insists that the only way Jean can have his daughter’s hand in marriage is if he collects the fur of…hundreds of beavers. (Cue title drop!)

Hundreds of Beavers is one of those movies where the most ringing endorsement I can give is to simply watch the movie. Go ahead. Watch it! It’s free to stream on Tubi and YouTube. It really is that good.

As mentioned before, the movie is filmed in black-and-white in the style of classic silent movies. The characters never speak any dialogue, only the occasional grunts, moans, and sighs. The only time dialogue appears is with old-timey title cards.

Otherwise, this movie is pure slapstick. The entire film is a series of comedic vignettes that pits man against nature in the most SNAFU way possible. Poor Jean has to survive the winter with only the clothes on his back–and sometimes barely with that. And anything that can go wrong for him not only goes wrong but spectacularly so.

Essentially, the entire film is a live-action cartoon, with the comedy undoubtedly reminiscent of Looney Tunes. After all, the plot focuses on a dimwitted hunter who’s constantly outsmarted by forest creatures. Evidently, Elmer Fudd and Bugs Bunny were huge inspirations.

So, if this film is essentially a cartoon, why film it in live-action than in animation? Because it makes the wacky shenanigans all the wackier, obviously. If this film were animated, the Looney Tunes-esque antics would have been too commonplace. Having it filmed in live-action makes the slapstick and cartoon-style antics stand out even more and therefore come across as funnier in comparison.

As I said, the most ringing endorsement I can give this film is to simply watch it for yourself. If you’re looking for a laugh riot of a movie to watch, Hundreds of Beavers is guaranteed to be up your alley.

One Of Two Women Shot Friday Night In Haines City Dies

Carl Fish
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One Of Two Women Shot Friday Night In Haines City Dies

Update: Haines City Police Department’s vehicle of interest involved in last night’s homicide. 

The vehicle appears to be a dark colored, 4-door sedan. 

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Haines City Police Department or Heartland Crime Stoppers if they wish to remain anonymous.

Vehicle of Interest

Update: Heartland Crime Stoppers Florida is now offering a $5,000 reward for anyone with information regarding last night’s homicide.

Original Article

The Haines City Police Department is providing an update on the shooting that occurred on the evening of Friday, December 27, 2024. Detectives with the Criminal Investigations Division responded to the scene and assumed the investigation.


The victims have been identified as a 33-year-old black female and a 41-year-old black female. Despite the efforts of medical staff, the 33-year-old female died as a result of her injuries. The 41-year-old female is in stable condition and is expected to recover from her injuries.


At this point in the investigation, it appears the two victims were traveling together in a vehicle when they were shot from behind. Evidence gathered so far in the investigation suggests the vehicle they were driving was intentionally targeted. There is currently no suspect in custody, however, the Haines City Police Department believes this was an isolated incident and there is no immediate threat to the public.


Police Chief Greg Goreck stated “Our hearts are with family of the victims during this difficult time. We are committed to identifying those who are involved and ensuring justice is served for their loved ones. In moments like these, it is vital we come together as a community, offering support and standing united against senseless acts of violence. We encourage
any members of our community who may have any information to come forward and assist in the investigation, as every detail can make a difference in bringing justice to the family.”


Detectives are still requesting anyone with information regarding the incident contact Heartland Crime Stoppers or the Haines City Police Department.

Two Woman Shot In Haines City – Police Seeking Any Information From Public

Carl Fish
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Two Woman Shot In Haines City – Police Seeking Any Information From Public

Update: Heartland Crime Stoppers Florida is now offering a $5,000 reward for anyone with information regarding last night’s homicide.

HAINES CITY, FL – The Haines City Police Department is currently investigating a shooting that occurred in the area of Dr Martin Luther King Jr Way within the city limits of Haines City.


On December 27, 2024, at approximately 1822 hours, dispatch received a 911 call from a female stating she had been shot.
When officers arrived on scene, two adult female victims were located with apparent gunshot wounds. Both victims were transported to local hospitals for medical care.


Police are actively looking for any witnesses or anyone with information regarding the incident and are encouraged to contact Heartland Crime Stoppers or the Haines City Police Department.


This is an active investigation. Additional information will be released as it becomes available.

**Update: One Of Two Woman Shot In Friday Night Dies From Her Injuries- Details Click Here

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