Latest news with #TavaresPoliceDepartment
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Yahoo
Police find 2 dead inside Lake County home
A death investigation is underway after police found two bodies inside a Tavares home. Officers made the discovery Tuesday night at the Etowah subdivision. Drone 9 flew over the crime scene in the gated community. The Tavares Police Department has not said how the two people died or what their relationship was to each other. Investigators told Channel 9 it appeared to be an 'isolated incident.' Monitor for updates on this case. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
Yahoo
03-04-2025
- Yahoo
Death penalty sought against Tavares mom, boyfriend in boy's abuse, death
Prosecutors will seek the death penalty against a Tavares mother and her boyfriend, both accused in the horrific abuse and 'torture' of her 10-year-old son who died recently from his injuries. Kimberley Mills, 37, and her boyfriend, Andre Walker, 36, were indicted by a grand jury on first-degree felony murder and aggravated child abuse charges, said Bill Gladson, the state attorney for the Fifth Judicial Circuit, which includes Lake County, at a Thursday press conference. The charges stem from the abuse of Xavier Williams and his younger brother, who recently turned 9, and Xavier's death. Gladson said prosecutors have filed a death penalty notice in the case because of the victim's young age and the heinous nature of the crime. Xavier died March 21, nearly after a month after he was brought to the hospital in cardiac arrest. Gladson said the indictments charge that the abuse began around Christmas Eve. Police said that is about when the two suspects began dating. Xavier's father and other family members attended the press conference at the Lake County Courthouse. His aunt, Cameil Williams, speaking next to a giant photograph of a smiling Xavier, said they were pleased with the state attorney's decision. 'It hasn't been a joyous occasion, but we are pleased with the news we got today,' she said. 'We want to thank the Tavares Police Department and the grand jury for their timeless efforts in ensuring that this journey to justice is a deserved one for Xavier Williams — our beloved Xavier Williams — and his brother,' she added. 'Let's thank God for the news that we got today. Last but never least.' Xavier died less than four weeks after Mills and Walker brought him to a hospital with Mills performing CPR on him in a car. Court records show medical staff found bruising — including 'severe' bruising on his face — burns and signs of sexual abuse on his body. The child was also bleeding internally. Both suspects were quickly arrested. Xavier's younger brother later told police Mills and Walker punished him and his brother by hitting them with a copper rod, punching them with boxing gloves and tying them by wrists and ankles to a ladder with duct tape and then dropping a 10-pound weight on their stomachs. Tavares Police Chief Sarah Coursey thanked her officers for their work on the case and said she was confident Mills and Walker would be held accountable. 'This is not an act of vengeance, but a solemn response born of the respect for Xavier and his family,' she said. 'The severity of their crimes demands an equal response and I trust that justice will prevail.' Detective Courtney Sullivan said Mills methodically covered up the abuse, with neither neighbors nor school employees at the boys' school suspecting they were hurt. Mills had Xavier wear long-sleeved shirts to hide the marks and bruises on his body, Sullivan said. Court records show injuries included burn marks that were 'long in shape as if something hot was placed on … skin.' She also 'isolated' the boys from their father — who lives in Connecticut — by taking away their phones and making difficult for him to visit them. When police searched Mills' home after Xavier was brought to the hospital, they found medical-grade sanitizing wipes along with a mop and bucket — leading them to believe the two were attempting to clean up evidence. According to a police report, investigators also found trash cans containing children's clothing with duct tape attached, a long-sleeved sweatshirt with tape around the arms and sweatpants with tape at the ankle area — as if it had been used to bind the wearer. A ladder was found in the garage with multiple layers of duct tape fashioned into loops as if it were used as a restraining device.
Yahoo
30-03-2025
- Yahoo
Hundreds gather in Tavares for candlelight vigil for Xavier Williams
At least 600 community members gathered by Lake Dora Saturday to honor and mourn the life of 10-year-old Xavier Williams. Tavares Police Department, which is investigating Xavier's death, hosted the candlelight vigil at Wooton Park in Downtown Tavares. 'Please consider wearing blue, Xavier's favorite color, as a gesture of unity and love. For those wishing to offer additional support to the family, the Tavares Police Charity continues to accept donations,' said Tavares Police. Those who attended the vigil wore blue shirts with Xavier's face on the front. 'Honestly, it warms my heart to see so much love outpouring. It feels like a whole big family,' said Cameil Williams, Xavier's Aunt. Some knew him. Many did not. But all came to mourn a child whose life was taken far too soon. 'I did not know them, no. But they needed love, and my granddaughter wanted to go up and speak to the dad and the aunt and tell them God loved them,' said Elizabeth Jackson, a community member. The 10-year-old died last week, after fighting for his life for weeks in the hospital from what police said was gruesome abuse and neglect at the alleged hands of his mother Kimberley Mills and boyfriend Andre Walker. Abuse, including dropping a 10-pound weight on his abdomen. 'While he was having weights dropped on his stomach---he was duct-tapped to a ladder,' a detective said on the stand. His story has shaken the Tavares community, leaving behind sorrow and anger, both young and old. 'It's not okay that happened, that the mom and boyfriend did that. It's not okay, and I came to support the family,' said a young attendee. Detectives said he had been uncontentious for nearly a month after Andre Walker and Kimberly Mills were seen dropping him off at the Advent Health Waterman Hospital in late February. As the soft hum of prayers filled the air, tears fell freely, hands grasped tightly, and candle flames wavered in the evening breeze—symbols of both heartbreak and hope. The Tavares Police Department, which organized the vigil, stood among the mourners, visibly moved by the overwhelming support. According to court records, Walker faces a second-degree murder charge, aggravated child abuse, and neglect. Walker faces aggravated child abuse. Both are due in Lake County court on March 31st. His family has set a GOFUNDME for medical expenses, funeral arraignments and care expenses for his younger brother. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
Yahoo
23-03-2025
- Yahoo
Tavares to host vigil for 10-year-old who died after alleged torture, abuse by mother and boyfriend
The Brief The Tavares Police Department will host a candlelight vigil next weekend for Xavier Williams, the 10-year-old boy who died Friday after allegedly suffering severe abuse and neglect at the hands of his mother and his mother's boyfriend. The candlelight vigil will take place at 7 p.m. Saturday, March 29, at Wooton Park in Downtown Tavares. Family members are asking the community to wear Xavier's favorite color, blue, as a gesture of unity and love at the event. TAVARES, Fla. - The Tavares Police Department will host a candlelight vigil next weekend for Xavier Williams, the 10-year-old boy who died Friday after allegedly suffering severe abuse and neglect at the hands of his mother and his mother's boyfriend. Local perspective The candlelight vigil will take place at 7 p.m. Saturday, March 29, at Wooton Park in Downtown Tavares. Xavier's family is inviting everyone in the community to join them in the "moment of remembrance and gratitude for your overwhelming support during this time," police said in a press release on Saturday. "Let us come together to show our love, compassion and solidarity as we celebrate Xavier's life and the joy he brought to those around him," police said. "Let us gather as one community, honoring Xavier and surrounding his family with the strength of our care and kindness." Family members are asking the community to wear Xavier's favorite color, blue, as a gesture of unity and love at the event. "Our department has been unwavering in our efforts from the very beginning," the Tavares Police Department said in an updated statement on Saturday. "This little boy showed incredible courage and strength, holding on for as long as he could. His bravery and spirit have deeply touched us all. Though his loss is immeasurable, we will carry his memory with us as we continue to fight for a swift and just resolution for him and his brother. We humbly ask that you keep his younger brother, father, extended family and friends in your thoughts and prayers during this unimaginably difficult time. Together, we will stand strong, united by his legacy and inspired by his strength." What you can do Those who wish to offer additional support to the family can do so through the Tavares Police Charity or through a GoFundMe page set up for the family to provide further assistance. The backstory Xavier died Friday after suffering severe abuse and neglect, according to the Tavares Police Department. RELATED:Boy dies after alleged torture, abuse by mother, her boyfriend; enhanced charges expected Detectives are actively investigating the case, working with the State Attorney's Office to enhance charges against the suspects, Kimberley Mills, the boy's mother, and Andre Walker, Mills' boyfriend. Xavier's younger brother, aged 9, was also a victim of abuse, officials allege. Mills and Walker are both facing multiple charges related to the alleged abuse of both boys. These were the charges prior to Xavier's death, but authorities anticipate that charges will be enhanced. Kimberley Mills Two counts of aggravated child abuse Two counts of child neglect One count of tampering with evidence Two counts of accessory to aggravated child abuse Andre Walker Two counts of aggravated child abuse Two counts of accessory to aggravated child abuse One count of tampering with evidence Officers said both Mills and Walker had refused to cooperate with the investigation. STAY CONNECTED WITH FOX 35 ORLANDO: Download the FOX Local app for breaking news alerts, the latest news headlines Download the FOX 35 Storm Team Weather app for weather alerts & radar Sign up for FOX 35's daily newsletter for the latest morning headlines FOX Local:Stream FOX 35 newscasts, FOX 35 News+, Central Florida Eats on your smart TV The Source This story was written based on information gathered from previous reporting, as well as information shared by the Tavares Police Department in a new release on March 22, 2025.
Yahoo
05-03-2025
- Yahoo
‘Sheer brutality': Details released in Tavares abuse case that left child in critical condition
As the 10-year-old at the center of a child abuse case in Tavares remains fighting for his life in the hospital, the police department has released more details on what happened to him. WARNING: The details in this story may be disturbing. The Tavares Police Department has described the abuse as torture, saying he endured 'unimaginable pain.' Police say the young victim was bound with duct tape while the suspects hurt him with weights. Detectives also found copper wire they say was used in the torture. 'The sheer brutality of these acts is indescribable,' the department said in a news release. A couple, Kimberley Mills and her boyfriend, Andre Walker, are facing multiple charges of aggravated child abuse, neglect and tampering with evidence. Bail for Walker has been denied. Police say the child's brother is also a victim of the pair, saying it was he who helped them learn more about the case. 'Through the courage of this young sibling, detectives uncovered the horrifying details of the abuse. This little boy revealed how both he and his older brother suffered unspeakable torment. His bravery in sharing these truths has given our team the determination to ensure that justice is served,' the department stated. The Tavares Police Department and the Tavares Police Charity are accepting gift card donations the victims and their family. Donations can be made in person at the Tavares Police Department or online through the Tavares Police Charity's Facebook page. You may donate money to the child's family through the Tavares Police Department at this link. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
