Deputies ‘saturate’ area after 3 killings

Sheriff’s Office moves into South Apopka after deaths in span of 6 days

After three killings in six days in the South Apopka area — including two reported at the same address — the Orange County Sheriff ’s Office has increased patrols to “saturate” the region with law enforcement, according to agency spokeswoman Michelle Guido.

Three men were killed in South Apopka in the last week: on Dec. 30, on New Year’s Day and, most recently, Saturday. Guido said the slayings were

“targeted acts of violence.”

Ahmad Alonzo Davis, 19, was found dead in the 1900 block of Old Apopka Road on Dec. 30 about 1 p.m. near the West Orange Trail, OCSO said. One person, Markese Mosely McNeil, 21, has since been arrested in the case on charges of accessory after the fact of first-degree murder and destruction of evidence.

McNeil is accused of driving the vehicle in which Davis was shot, then disposing of the body by the trail and using cleaning product to wash out the inside of the car, according to his arrest affidavit. He also told investigators that he threw out the bullet casings from the shooting, but he said a backseat passenger shot Davis. That person was not identified in the affidavit and has not been arrested.

The next two deaths were reported at the same residence in the 500 block of West Ella J. Gilmore Street. Guido did not respond to a question about whether they are related.

On New Year’s Day about 11:30 p.m., officials found Altonio Dunston, 40, shot to death inside the home.

Three days later, deputies responded to a report of an aggravated battery at the same address just before 11 p.m., arriving to find Maurice Bridges, 42, suffering from a gunshot wound. He was taken to a hospital and pronounced dead. No arrests have been made.

Guido would not disclose the details of the “law enforcement saturation plan” in South Apopka, besides saying there would be increased patrols and there are many elements to it.

“Our top priority is the safety of our residents, and we would implore members of the community who know anything at all about the violent crimes to come forward, or to anonymously call Crimeline with any tips,” Guido said.

Residents can call Crimeline at 1-800-423-TIPS.