Caroline Brauchler

Hard News

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Not a 'random act': authorities investigate Waterford Lakes shooting

Orange County Sheriff’s Office authorities have released the ages of the victims injured in a shooting on Saturday at the Waterford Lakes Town Center, saying they "do not believe this was a random act," according to a press release.

The 14-year-old female, 15-year-old male and 19-year-old male were hanging out behind buildings just north of Regal Cinemas when they were shot from a vehicle before 8 p.m., according to the release. OCSO arrived on the scene at 7:52 p.m. and made contact with the v
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Three injured in Waterford Lakes shooting, officials say

Three people were injured during a shooting on Saturday at the Waterford Lakes Town Center, according to the Orange County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputies responded to the scene at North Alafaya Trail at 7:52 p.m. and made contact with the two males and one female who had been shot, according to OCSO.

All three teenagers were transported to the hospital to receive treatment. Two were transported to the hospital from the scene, and one was transported to the hospital by a third party. Their injuries
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UCF community protests DeSantis' higher education policies and more

Students, alumni and some faculty banded together at UCF as part of a statewide walkout demonstration on Memory Mall on Thursday to protest Gov. Ron DeSantis’ recent pushes in educational reform.

The students protested the proposed legislation announced for 2023 that would prohibit diversity, equity and inclusion programs and the teaching of critical race theory, according to a press release from the governor’s office.

While students at some Florida colleges and universities were encouraged to
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Suspect in Pine Hills shootings charged with murders of Dylan Lyons and T'yonna Major, officials say

The suspect being held in custody in connection to the shootings in Pine Hills on Wednesday has now been additionally charged for the murders of journalist and UCF alumnus Dylan Lyons, 24, and T’yonna Major, 9, according to the Orange County Sheriff’s Office.

The suspect was initially charged for first-degree murder in connection to the fatal shooting of Nathacha Augustin, 38, that occurred Wednesday morning. He now faces the two additional charges of first-degree murder for the later shootings
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Former UCF President John C. Hitt dead at 82

Former UCF President John C. Hitt died Monday at the age of 82, according to a university press release.

Hitt served the UCF community as president for 26 years until his retirement in 2018. The university credits Hitt’s leadership as an instrumental part of fostering UCF's high level of growth, with a 211% increase in enrollment since Hitt took the helm in 1992, according to UCF's website.

“We will always remember Dr. Hitt as a visionary leader, a champion of education and a beloved member of
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UCF football player Justin Hodges arrested on Thursday, police records show

UCF defensive back Justin Hodges has been dismissed from the football team after his arrest on Thursday, according to the Orlando Police Department, UCF Athletics Department and Orange County jail records.

Hodges is being charged with home invasion robbery with a firearm and a mask, according to the Orange County Inmate Database's booking record.

Following the arrest, UCF Athletics spokesperson John Heisler issued a statement via email on behalf of the football program and athletic department.