A Florida woman faces multiple charges, including first-degree murder, in connection with an incident that killed one deputy and injured two others in an ambush-style attack.
In a horrific turn of events, a Florida woman has been arrested in connection with the ambush shooting of deputies, resulting in the tragic death of one deputy and injuries to two others. The suspect, identified as Julie Ann Sulpizio, 48, faces a slew of charges, including first-degree premeditated murder of a law enforcement officer, attempted murder, and battery.
According to Lake County Sheriff Peyton Grinnell, Sulpizio was apprehended at a hospital in Tavares, Florida, where she had been undergoing treatment since Friday night. She remains incarcerated without bond.
Florida Woman Arrested in Deadly Ambush of Deputies
The incident began on Friday evening when deputies responded to a disturbance call at a residence. They were subsequently directed to another nearby home where they discovered the back door kicked in and heard a commotion inside. As they approached, they were met with gunfire.
Master Deputy Sheriff Bradley Michael Link, 28, was shot during the exchange and became trapped inside the home. Sadly, he succumbed to his injuries. Master Deputy Sheriff Harold Howell, 41, and Deputy First Class Stefano Gargano, 28, were also injured in the attack.
Florida Woman Arrested in Deadly Ambush of Deputies
Sheriff Grinnell provided a detailed timeline of the events leading up to the shooting. A caller had reported that Sulpizio was attacking people and trespassing on their property. She was heard uttering religious comments, accusing them of being sinners and involved in pedophilia.
Sulpizio allegedly claimed to be "Helen" under God's will and claimed to know "what they did." In a subsequent interview with investigators, she admitted that she lured the victims to her home with the intention of having her husband kill them.
Florida Woman Arrested in Deadly Ambush of Deputies
Deputies conducted a welfare check at Sulpizio's residence, where they found two deceased dogs outside and an open window with the screen removed. Suspecting foul play, they called for backup.
Tragically, Deputy Link and Deputy Howell encountered Sulpizio's husband, Michael, who ambushed Deputy Link from behind while he was facing away. Deputy Link sustained multiple gunshot wounds and, despite his efforts to escape, was killed.
Florida Woman Arrested in Deadly Ambush of Deputies
Deputy Gargano and Deputy Howell attempted a rescue mission but were also injured in the ensuing gunfire. Michael Sulpizio, along with his two daughters, was later found deceased inside the home with self-inflicted gunshot wounds.
Investigators discovered a cache of weapons, ammunition, and bottled water in the residence but no phones or televisions. Disturbingly, they also found materials related to anti-government propaganda and conspiracy theories.
Sheriff Grinnell described Sulpizio as showing no remorse during her arrest. She has been under observation in the hospital for the past few days, but her arrest marks a significant step towards bringing justice to those affected by this senseless act of violence.
