Briefing Room

E-Mail the Information Officer

Chief's Office

INFANT DEATH

August 1, 2001

This morning August 1, 2001, Fort Lauderdale Police responded to the report of the body of a newborn baby having been discovered at 2151 Northwest 7th Street on August 1, 2001. The scene was a vacant apartment complex. A construction worker renovating the apartment complex located the infant’s body in the toilet of apartment number 7. The body was of a fully developed Black, newborn baby girl. Investigators have determined that the birth occurred late last night or very early this morning.

Information from neighbors and passers by have led the Fort Lauderdale Police to the infant’s mother. She is presently at the Fort Lauderdale Police Department speaking with Detective’s King and Carbo. She is cooperating and has admitted to giving birth to the baby girl. The mother has stated that the baby was still born when she left the body in the toilet.

Charges have not yet and will not be filed until the results of the Broward County Medical Examiner’s autopsy. If the baby was alive (if the baby is determined to have taken a breath after its birth), when abandoned, detective’s will present evidence to the State Attorney’s office for a homicide charge.

No photo of the infant’s mother is available at this time.

TOP

PEDESTRIAN FATALITY

August 1, 2001

On this date August 1, 2001, at approximately 1:30 a.m. Fort Lauderdale Police responded to the Florida East Coast Railroad tracks 200 yards north of Broward Boulevard. A 40 year old white male was struck and killed as he slept between the rails.

According to the conductor, the train, was traveling south when he observed what he thought to be a pile of clothing lying between the rails. The train was moving slowing but was still unable to stop until after train’s engine and one half of a second car had run over the object. Upon closer inspection of the object it was was determined to have been a body. The victim was pronounced dead at the scene.

The identity of the victim is being withheld pending notification of next of kin.

TOP

HOMICIDE

August 2, 2001

The Fort Lauderdale Police Department is investigating a homicide.

At approximately 8:58 a.m. August 2, 2000, Fort Lauderdale Police were summoned to 952 Northwest 24th Ave. The caller advised that shots were heard from the apartment. Upon arrival, at 8:59 a.m., Officer Marion Simms discovered the victim lying on the floor of the apartment, motionless. The victim was transported to Broward General Hospital and subsequently died. It is not known where on his body the victim was shot, the number of times, nor the caliber of the weapon used.

Several suspects were seen running from the rear of the apartment.

The motive of the homicide is not known at this time. The victim has not been identified.

Anyone with information is requested to call Detectives Shotwell (954) 828-5517 or Curcio (954) 828-5529 or Crimestoppers at 493-TIPS.

TOP

HOMICIDE UPDATE
(Martilotto/Ezerski)

August 2, 2001

The Fort Lauderdale Police Department has obtained a warrant for First Degree Murder in the death of Anthony Martilotto. The warrant is for the arrest of Adam Ezerski 01-16-82 Adam Ezerski is described as a w/m 5’10”, 175 pounds, brown hair, green eyes with an unknown tattoo one of his upper arms.

The victim’s vehicle, a red Ford Mustang, Florida Tag ED4-37F has not yet been located.

There is a photo of Ezerski still available to be viewed on the Fort Lauderdale Police Department’s web site at www.flpd.org or Media may pick up a copy of the photo at the Fort Lauderdale Police Department- 1300 West Broward Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale.

Anyone with information is requested to call Detective John Curcio (954) 828-5529 or Detective Mark Breen (954) 828-5708 or Crimestoppers at 493-TIPS

Previous related article

TOP

INFANT DEATH UPDATE

August 2, 2001

Results of the Broward County Medical Examiner’s office, this afternoon, have shown that the baby found in the toilet on August 1, 2001 had suffocated while still in the mother’s birth canal. Medical Examiner’s report indicates that the baby never took a breath.

Notwithstanding the circumstances in which the baby was abandoned, no criminal charges will be filed at this time. The Toxicology report still on going can take up to three months to complete. Unless that test reveals evidence, at this time unknown, no charges will be filed.

TOP

ARREST OF THREE ARMED ROBBERY SUSPECTS

August 6, 2001

Lucien Rezuma

Jimmy Cila

Dergo Dee Geffrard

On Wednesday night, August 1, 2001, Sergeant Kevin Finn and his TAC (tactical) Squad were on patrol and saw a person whom they believed matched a suspect from an armed robbery BOLO. The suspect, REZUMA, was also wearing a Haitian flag bandana as he had during the armed robbery. The videotape BOLO had been put out by Miramar Police Department, almost a month earlier, on July 4th, 2001. The vehicle occupying the possible suspect was stopped, the persons inside the vehicle were identified and released. That information was given to Detective Mike Holebrandt. Detective Holebrandt working with Miramar Police Detectives and the Broward County Sheriff’s Office Detective Bob Kerr, proceeded to attempt to positively match this suspect, REZUMA, with that of the videotaped image of the armed robbery suspects.

During the course of the investigation, it was learned that a RAP song had been written by the suspects with the subject of the song being the armed robbery the three had committed. By the end of the investigation even family members of the suspects had positively identified them as the suspects caught on video. The three were arrested for three (3) Fort Lauderdale armed robberies, two (2) armed robberies investigated by the Broward Sheriff’s Office and a Miramar armed robbery.

The three arrested were:

1. Lucien Rezuma, 20 years of age, 5801 NE 18th Ave. Ft. Lauderdale
2. Jimmy Cila, 19 years of age, 80 NW 35th St. Oakland Park
3. Dergo Geffard, 18 years of age, 5890 NW 14th Ct. Sunrise

TOP

SEXUAL BATTERY

August 6, 2001

The Fort Lauderdale Police are investigating a sexual battery having occurred during the early morning hours of Sunday, August 5, 2001. The victim, a sixteen year old female was walking home from work when she first encountered her attacker near East Sunrise Boulevard and North Andrews Avenue. The suspect began to talk with her and walked beside her as she walked north on Andrews Avenue until approximately the 1600 block. At this point the suspect tackled the victim, dragged her into the bushes where he sexually assaulted, and robbed her. The suspect was last seen at Northeast 21st Court and North Andrews Avenue.

The suspect is described as a Black male in his late twenties to thirty, 5’7” tall, with a muscular build. He had closely cropped hair, a light goatee, and a dark, smooth complexion. The suspect was wearing sneakers, white boxers, baggy beige or light blue shorts to below the knee, and was bare-chested. His white tee shirt was stuffed into the back of his shorts and was hanging down. He was also wearing a beige Tommy Hilfiger baseball type cap.

Anyone with any information regarding this suspect is urged to call Fort Lauderdale Police Detective Sonya Friedman (954) 828-5575 or Crimestoppers at (954) 493-TIPS.

A composite sketch will be forthcoming later this afternoon….. approximately 4:00 pm. It will be available at the Police Department’s front desk and on our Web site: http://www.flpd.org

TOP

ARMED ROBBERS ARRESTED (TAXIS)

August 9, 2001

Jeffrey Filsaine

The Fort Lauderdale Police Tactical Impact Units last evening, August 8, 2001, have arrested two members of a gang known as the True Haitian Boys, Jeffrey Filsaine, of 1414 NE 5 Terrace, Fort Lauderdale and a 16 year old male juvenile. Detectives of the Violent Crimes Unit state that the arrests were in connection with a string of incidents involving taxi drivers who have been robbed at gun point by their so called fares. A silver colored handgun was said to have been used in nearly every case. With one exception the suspects were picked up between I-95 and N. Andrews Avenue, with the robberies occurring north of Sunrise Boulevard: the exception was in Lauderhill.

The robberies have spanned over the last month beginning on Saturday, July 14th, with the most recent occurrence being August 5th. Three cab companies have been victimized, with the majority being Yellow Cab. Thus far 3 of the 10 victims interviewed have positively identified the suspects, using a photo line up, as those persons having committed the armed robberies.

TOP

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE TRIPLE STABBING

August 13, 2001

The Fort Lauderdale Police are investigating a domestic disturbance. On 08/13/2001 A 911 call from 1632 Southeast 7th Street was received at approximately 9:10a.m. The caller advised that she and her husband had been stabbed as the result of a domestic disturbance, the son had also stabbed himself; the caller was now in possession of the weapon; a pocket knife. The exact details of the cause of the disturbance are not yet available. The scene was contained to the confines of the kitchen.

The mother, Patricia McAndless,(73) Michael’s first victim, suffered a stab wound to the abdomen. The father, Hugh McAndless, (70)coming to the aid of his wife was also stabbed in the abdomen and the right forearm. The 36 year old son, Michael McAndless, (36) who has been beleagured with mental problems suffered a self inflicted wound to his abdomen. All three were transported to Broward General Hospital under trauma alerts. Michael was transported to the hospital, restrained for his personal safety as well as those around him.

Charges for aggravated battery are pending upon Michael McAndless’ release from the hospital.

Sara Howley, spokesman for the Broward General Hospital District puts the condition of Patricia, and Hugh in serious condition and Michael is in good condition.

TOP

ADAM EZERSKI ARRESTED RENO NEVADA

August 18, 2001

The Fort Lauderdale Police have been advised that Adam Ezerski, wanted in the July 26th homicide of Andrew Martilotto, 10-25-61, is in custody. Ezerski was picked up by the Reno, Nevada Police and the FBI last evening 08/17/01. Detective Sergeant Tim Bronson and Detective Mark Shotwell are on an 11 a.m. flight to Reno at this time to interview and return Ezerski to Fort Lauderdale.

The details involving the location and apprehension of Ezerski are few at this time.

San Francisco Police are in possession of the stolen car rented by Anthony Martilotto. It is unknown how Ezerski traveled to Reno.

TOP

$100,000.00 VIDEO TAPE

August 22, 2001

The Fort Lauderdale Police Department is releasing a videotape of a Grand Larceny that occurred on August 8, 2001 from the Romero Jewelers located at 2587 East sunrise Blvd., at approximately 12:30 p.m.

In the video, three well-dressed women are seen entering the store and begin to look at several pieces of jewelry in the display cases. Eventually two of the women block the view of the owner and a store clerk as the third woman crawls on the floor and takes a bag of rings and jewelry valued at over $100,000.00. Once the bag is stuffed into the culprit’s purse all three casually leave the store.

All three are described as white Latin females, 25-30 years of age, medium height and medium build.

Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Ryan Kennerson at 828-5639 or Crime Stoppers at 493-T.I.P.S.

TOP

ROBBERY ARREST

August 24, 2001

Raymond Essex

The Fort Lauderdale Police Department has charged 46 year-old Raymond Lamond Essex, 10-30-54, with one count of armed robbery in connection with the July 27, 2001 robbery of the Cosmix Beauty Supply located at 2825 East Oakland Park Blvd. Essex had entered the store at approximately 2:00 p.m. and robbed both the store and the clerk working at the time.

Fort Lauderdale Detective Dave Jenkins had learned of Essexs’ arrest on August 17, 2001by the City of Miami Police Department, and felt that the description he had in the Cosmix robbery was very similar to that of Essex. Working with the Cities of Miami and Lighthouse Point Police Departments Jenkins was able to get a positive identification from the clerk and Essex was subsequently charged.

Detectives have information that Essex may have been responsible for several armed robberies in Broward and Palm Beach Counties over the past two months and are asking anyone with information, or anyone that feels that they may have been a victim of Essex to call Fort Lauderdale Police Detective Dave Jenkins at (954) 828-5263, Lighthouse Point Police Detective Joseph Tavares at (954) 784-3415 or Crime Stoppers at 493-T.I.P.S.

For additional information on the actual arrest of Essex on August 17, 2001 please refer to the City of Miami News Release dated August 18, 2001.

TOP

TRAFFIC ADVISORY

August 29, 2001

On Thursday, August 30, 2001, the funeral for Davie Police Officer Wes Griffin will take place at approximately 4:00 p.m. Due to the large number of vehicles expected in the funeral procession traffic delays are expected.

The route that will take place is Davie Road Extension north to I-595, I-595 east to St. Road 84, and St. Road 84 east to U.S. 1, U.S. 1 north to S.E. 14 Street, and east on S.E. 14 Street into the cemetery.

Motorists may experience traffic delays and are asked to be patient with the procession.

TOP

MISSING JUVENILLE

August 29, 2001

The Fort Lauderdale Police Department is investigating the disappearance of 9 year-old Vilaire George. George was last seen last night, Tuesday August 28th at approximately 8:00 p.m. as he left a neighbors house. Vilaire did not go home and was reported as missing this morning at approximately 7:30 a.m. by his mother Natlie Fastin.

Vilaire has not run away in the past, and has been with his mother approximately a year and a half after his father was arrested and deported to Haiti. There appears to be no foul play in the disappearance at this time.

There is a photo of Vilaire in the lobby of the Fort Lauderdale Police Department to be copied.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Fort Lauderdale Police Department at 828-5700.

TOP

HIT AND RUN DRIVER IDENTIFIED

August 30, 2001

The Fort Lauderdale Police Department has learned the identity of the driver in Wednesday’s (August 29,2001) hit and run accident that occurred in the 800 block of NW 12 Avenue.

Antwuan Lavon Snell

Eighteen year-old Glenice Petitdos was struck at approximately 3:30 p.m. as she exited a school bus in front of her home at 817 NW 12 Avenue. Petitdos was transported to Broward General Medical Center where she remains in serious condition.

The driver of the Ford F-150 pickup truck that fled the scene has been identified as 23 year-old Antwuan Lavon Snell, 03-10-78. Snell does not have a local address but is known to hang out in the 500 block of NW 15 Avenue in the City of Fort Lauderdale.

The truck used in the hit and run was recovered early this morning in the 2300 block of NW 6 Street in the city of Pompano Beach after a resident on her way home from work recognized the truck from local media reports and contacted police. The truck was towed to the Fort Lauderdale Police Department forensic garage where it will be processed after a search warrant has been obtained; Detectives hope to process the truck early this evening. The owner of the truck has been contacted and he advises that he had loaned the truck to his granddaughter, who is also Snell’s current girlfriend.

Snell is described as a black male, 5’1”, 135 pounds, low cut hair, and several gold teeth.

A photo of Snell can be viewed on the Fort Lauderdale Police Department’s web site at www.flpd.org or copies may be obtained in the lobby of the Fort Lauderdale Police Department.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Fort Lauderdale Police Department at 828-5700 or Crime Stoppers at 493-T.I.P.S.

TOP

OPERATION RIGHT T.R.A.C AUTO THEFT PREVENTION

August 30, 2001

The Fort Lauderdale Police Department in conjunction with the Broward County Chiefs of Police Association will be conducting another of the very successful Operation Right T.R.A.C. (Tools for Reducing Auto Crimes) Programs on Saturday September 8, 2001 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Carter Park, 1450 West Sunrise Blvd.

Members of the Fort Lauderdale Police Department will be on hand conducting free V.I.N (Vehicle Identification Number) etching, registering owners for the C.A.T. (Combat Auto Theft) Program and giving out free steering wheel locking devices to owners of the top ten stolen vehicles listed below.

TOP TEN STOLEN VEHICLES

• (1986-1991) Toyota Camry
• (1991-1997) Honda Accord
• (1989-2000) Ford F-150
• (1989-1997) Honda Civic
• (1986-1996) Nissan Sentra
• (1997-2000) Ford Taurus
• (1991-1997) Acura Integra & Legend
• (1986-1999) Toyota Corolla
• (1991-2000) Ford Mustang
• (1989-1997) Plymouth/Dodge-Voyager Caravan, Town and Country

For more information or directions please call the Fort Lauderdale Police Department at 828-5519.

Briefing Room

E-Mail the Information Officer

Chief's Office