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HOMICIDE INVESTIGATION

August 5, 2003

The Fort Lauderdale Police Department is currently investigating the murder of 34-year-old Xue H. Chen.

Chen was found early this morning at approximately 1:30 a.m. after officers responded to a reported “man down in the street.” Chen was found next to his bicycle in the roadway at the intersection of Indiana Ave. and Evanston Circle, and pronounced dead at the scene.

Chen had massive head trauma, however the Medical Examiners Office has determined that the cause of death was a gunshot wound.

There are no suspects or a motive at this time.

Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Dave Jenkins at (954) 828-5263 or Crime Stoppers at (954) 493-T.I.P.S.

VICTIM: Xue H. Chen, 12-16-68

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SHOOTING INVESTIGATION

August 6, 2003

The Fort Lauderdale Police Department is investigating a shooting that occurred early this morning in the parking area of the Circle T Food Mart located at 522 NE 3 Avenue.

At approximately 6:00 a.m. the victim entered the store as he does every day, according to the storeowner, and made a purchase as headed to work at a local labor pool.

Shortly after the victim exited the store an unknown black male entered and looked around but did not make a purchase, he then quickly exited into the parking area.

The storeowner heard a loud noise moments later from the south side of the business and exited to see what had happened. The victim was found laying in the lot bleeding heavily from the chest.

Fort Lauderdale Police along with Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue responded to find that the victim had been shot. He was transported to Broward General Medical Center as a Trauma Alert and at this time is still alive in stable condition.

The victim’s identity is unknown at this time and will be released as soon as it is confirmed and next of kin is notified.

The unknown black male is described as 20-22 years of age, 5’10”, 160 pounds wearing a white t-shirt and jeans. He is not a suspect at this time, however detectives would like to talk to him.

Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Mark Breen at 828-5708, Detective John Curcio at 828-5529, or Crime Stoppers at (954) 493-T.I.P.S.

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RAYMOND STERLING INVESTIGATION

August 12, 2003

Contact:
Chaz Adams, Public Information Specialist
(954) 828-4748/chaza@fortlauderdale.gov

Fort Lauderdale – The City of Fort Lauderdale Police and Fire-Rescue Departments have concluded a joint administrative investigation involving the arrest, emergency medical treatment and subsequent death of Raymond Sterling. Mr. Sterling was arrested on Saturday April 19, 2003 after having fled from police on traffic related charges.

The Fort Lauderdale Police Department has determined that the police officers involved acted appropriately, in accordance with all departmental policies, procedures and directives.

The investigation of the incident by the Fort Lauderdale Fire-Rescue Department has determined that four Fire-Rescue personnel involved with the incident failed to follow certain departmental Rules and Regulations and South Florida Regional Common EMS protocols. After careful review, the Fire Chief, Otis J. Latin Sr., has recommended dismissal from City service for Lieutenant/Paramedic Michael Hicks, Driver Engineer/Paramedic Walter Schrubb, Firefighter/Paramedic Michael Bucher and Firefighter/Paramedic Keith Webster.

It is the policy of the Fort Lauderdale Police and Fire-Rescue Departments that all internal affairs investigations of this nature be sent to the Broward County State Attorney for review. The Broward County State Attorney has been conducting an independent ongoing criminal investigation of this incident.

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UNDETERMINED DEATH INVESTIGATION

August 16, 2003

The Fort Lauderdale Police Department is currently investigating the death of 53 year-old Joseph Fenezia.

Shortly after 1:30 a.m. on Saturday, August 16, 2003, Fort Lauderdale Police responded to the Sheridan Beach Hotel located at 3801 N. St. Rd. A1A in reference to a subject threatening suicide. Upon the officers arrival they found Fenezia in the 3800 block of A1A standing in the southbound lanes of the roadway armed with a knife threatening to kill him-self. Officers began to talk to Fenezia and were able to have him drop the knife and handcuffed him without incident. Fenezia was then placed on the ground for officer safety.

While on the ground Fenezia became violent, yelling, screaming and acting irrationally. Fenezia was also complaining of shortness of breath. The determination was made to transport Fenezia to the hospital for medical and psychological treatment. As Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue, who as already staged near the scene, was preparing to transport Fenezia he became unresponsive and CPR was initiated.

Fenezia was transported to Holy Cross Hospital where he was pronounced dead upon arrival.

The Broward County Medical Examiner will be conducting an autopsy to determine the cause of death, however upon a search of Fenezia’s hotel room a large amount of prescription and non-prescription drugs were found.

Fenezia was a resident of the hotel living here for a short time, previously living in Davie, Florida.

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AUTOMOBLIE BURGLARY WARNING

August 20, 2003

The Fort Lauderdale Police Department would like to take this opportunity to warn citizens of a computer theft problem that is occurring in the City of Fort Lauderdale, and surrounding cities.

In Fort Lauderdale, customers of major electronics stores along North Federal Highway should be aware that they are possibly being targeted for theft. After making their purchases and leaving the store, thieves are following the customer to their next stop, and while they are busy shopping or eating, their vehicles are being burglarized and their new computer and electronic equipment is being taken.

We are urging all citizens to be aware of this problem and report any suspicious persons or activity to Police immediately. We are recommending that customers take their purchases directly home or to their place of business.

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

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HOMICIDE/SUICIDE

August 25, 2003

The Fort Lauderdale Police Department is investigating a shooting of a 41 year old father and his 12 year old son.

On 08/25/03 at approximately 12:40 am Fort Lauderdale Police responded to 2700 block of Southwest 8 Street in reference to a Mentally Ill person. Upon arrival at this location a woman (Laura Mackey) ran from 2732 Southwest 8 Street and told the officers that her husband was trying to kill her. Laura Mackey told the officers that her husband Dennis Mackey threatened to kill her, and when she saw the Police drive onto the street for the unrelated call for service she ran out. She last saw her husband heading towards their son’s room and that she heard two shots fired.

Police Negotiators attempted to contact Mr. Mackey by phone and with a loud speaker to no avail and no contact was made. A SWAT call out was conducted and at 5:00 am SWAT officers entered the house and found Dennis Mackey 41 and his 12-year-old son Brian Mackey dead.

There was a small caliber semi automatic handgun on the floor near Mr. Mackey.

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