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HOMICIDE

February 3, 2004

At approximately 7:42 p.m. this evening, the Fort Lauderdale Police Department received a 911 call from 1721 NE 59 Court. The caller advised that she had come to this residence to visit with her friend. Upon entering the residence, she had found that her friend had been attacked and was not conscious. Fort Lauderdale Police and Fire Rescue responded at this time. A short time later, Fire Rescue advised that the victim was deceased.

It was apparent to Law Enforcement that the victim had been murdered. The victim had obvious trauma, however the means of infliction is unknown at this time. The scene was secured and Fort Lauderdale Homicide and Forensic Detectives initiated an investigation.

Prior to Police and Fire Rescue arriving, the caller had additionally contacted the victim’s ex-spouse, who had responded to the scene. This ex-husband attempted to render aid to the victim, however was unsuccessful. Realizing that this murder had just occurred, he armed himself with a hatchet and began to drive around the area looking for any possible culprit(s).

It was at this time, approximately 7:58 p.m., that the Police Department received a call from a motorist advising that there was a subject at 6200 N. Andrews Avenue, who appeared to have blood on his clothing and was holding an axe. The subject was yelling that someone had just killed his wife. This subject then got back into his vehicle and drove to NE 59 Street, where Police had since arrived. It was at this time, that it was determined that these two incidents were related.

The ex-husband has been cooperative with Law Enforcement, and the investigation will be on going. No further details or suspect information is available.

The victim’s identity is not being released at this time, pending notification of next of kin.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to call the Fort Lauderdale Police Department Hot Line (954-828-5511), Detective Breen (954-828-5708), Detective Curcio (954-828-5529) or Broward County Crimestoppers.

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HOMICIDE UPDATE

February 4, 2004

Shortly before 8:00 p.m. last night, there was a murder at 1721 NE 59 Court, in the City of Fort Lauderdale, where the resident, Noreen Taylor (12-06-58) was killed.

An exhaustive investigation was conducted throughout the night, which resulted in a suspect being taken into custody. The suspect is identified as Roger Emmett Westerlund (white male, 8-25-54) of Hollywood, Florida. Westerlund is known by the victim, as he has been a handy man at the victim’s residence for several months.

Witnesses advised that they had seen Westerlund leaving the scene of the murder, moments before the victim was discovered. Fort Lauderdale Homicide Detectives were able to develop a positive identification of Westerlund, who at the time had only been identified as ‘Roger”. He was later contacted at his residence in Hollywood, first thing earlier this morning, and subsequently cooperated with Detectives. It is believed that the victim had an outstanding debt with Westerlund for work he had completed.

Based upon his cooperation and physical evidence recovered during the investigation, Westerlund was charged with one count of First Degree Murder, and will be turned over to the Broward County jail, where he will be held without bond.

Although there is a suspect in custody, the investigation will be continuing to be on going, and it is encouraged that anyone with information regarding this incident to please call the Fort Lauderdale Police Department Hot Line (954-828-5511), Detective Breen (954-828-5708), Detective Curcio (954-828-5529) or Broward County Crimestoppers.

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ACCREDITATION TEAM INVITES PUBLIC COMMENTS ABOUT THE FORT LAUDERDALE POLICE DEPARTMENT

February 6, 2004

Chief Bruce Roberts announced today, that a team of assessors from the Commission for Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation (CFA) will arrive Tuesday, March 9, 2004, to examine all aspects of the Fort Lauderdale Police Department’s (FLPD) policies and procedures, management, operations, and support services. FLPD has to comply with approximately 276 standards in order to receive accredited status. Many of the 276 standards are critical to life, health and safety issues. FLPD is also seeking national recognition by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA).

As part of the on-site assessment, agency members and the general public are invited to offer comments to the assessment team. The public may call (954) 828-6797 on Wednesday, March 10, between the hours of 1:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. Telephone comments are limited to 10 minutes and must address the agency’s ability to comply with CFA standards. Copies of the standards are available through the FLPD’s Public Information Officer who can be reached at (954) 828-5464.

For more information regarding CFA or for persons wishing to offer written comments about the FLPD’s ability to meet the standards of accreditation, please write: CFA, 3504 Lake Lynda Drive, Suite 380, Orlando, Florida, 32817.

The Accreditation Program Manager for FLPD is Sgt. Anthony C. Williams. The assessment team is composed of law enforcement practitioners from similar agencies. The assessors will review written materials, interview individuals, and visit offices and other places where compliance can be witnessed. The CFA Assessment Team Leader is Mr. Gary Mitchell, Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office. Other team members are Sergeant Audrey Smith, Tallahassee Police Department and Lieutenant Michelle Morris, Sebastian Police Department.

Once the Commission’s assessors complete their review of the agency, they report back to the full Commission, which will then decide if the agency is to receive accredited status. Fort Lauderdale Police Department’s accreditation is for 3 years. Verification by the team that FLPD meets the Commission’s standards is part of a voluntary process to gain or maintain accreditation.

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HOMICIDE

February 9, 2004

Today, at approximately 4:21 p.m., the Fort Lauderdale Police Department received several calls to report a shooting in the 600 block of NW 8 Street. The original caller advised that there had been shots fired, and there were possibly two victims. Another caller advised that he was following the shooter, who had left the area in a brown Chevrolet Malibu.

The witness was able to direct responding Police units to the vehicle as it drove west on Sunrise Blvd., then southbound on I-95. Several Police units responded and ultimately stopped the vehicle on I-95 near Sheridan Street. Three subjects were removed from the vehicle, one of which was positively identified by witnesses, as the shooter. The two additional subjects were transported to the Fort Lauderdale Police Department where Detectives will interview them.

At this time, the motive for the shooting is unknown. What is known, according to witnesses, is that the culprit was observed to just walk up to the victims and began shooting them, prior to fleeing the area. Responding Patrol units located two gunshot victims on NW 8 Street. Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue responded to the scene and transported both victims to Broward General Hospital. One victim died a short time later; the second is undergoing surgery, and is in critical condition. Fort Lauderdale Patrol Units were able to secure a crime scene, and an investigation is now underway by Homicide and Forensic Detectives.

The victim’s identities are not being released at this time, pending notification of their next of kin.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to call the Fort Lauderdale Police Department Hot Line (954-828-5511), Detective Carbo (954-759-6014), Detective Jenkins (954-828-5263) or Broward County Crimestoppers.

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HOMICIDE UPDATE

February 10, 2004

At approximately 4:21 p.m. yesterday, the Fort Lauderdale Police Department received several calls to report a shooting in the 600 block of NW 8 Street. Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue transported two gunshot victims to Broward General Hospital. One victim died a short time later; the second victim underwent surgery, and is expected to survive.

At the direction of a witness, Fort Lauderdale Patrol Officers ultimately stopped a vehicle on I-95 and detained its three occupants. At the time, it was believed that one of the occupants was the shooter. After further investigation and upon speaking with additional witnesses, it was determined that these persons were in fact present at the shooting, and have information related to the incident, however there level of participation is still under investigation. Based upon this developing information, these three individuals were subsequently released at this time.

The victim who passed away has been identified as Fort Lauderdale resident, Wilguet Maxcena (Date of Birth 7-25-72). The second victim is Rony Jean-Charles (Date of Birth 10-18-73), also from Ft. Lauderdale.

At this time, Fort Lauderdale Homicide Detectives will continue their investigation to determine the events that lead up to the shooting. Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to call the Fort Lauderdale Police Department Hot Line (954-828-5511), Detective Carbo (954-759-6014), Detective Jenkins (954-828-5263) or Broward County Crimestoppers.

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HOMICIDE

February 16, 2004

In March of 2002, the Fort Lauderdale Police Department recovered a human skull in Hugh Taylor Birch State Park. Recently, that skull has been linked to a homicide, which occurred in Boston, Massachusetts on March 19, 2001.

On March 21, 2002, the Fort Lauderdale Police Department responded to Birch State Park in the 2800 block of East Sunrise Blvd, when an individual observed what he thought was a skull. The reportee was walking through the park when he found the skull partially buried, and notified the Police Department.

The skull was listed in NCIC/FCIC, where its discovery was made available to Law Enforcement throughout the country.

In December of 2003, the Boston Police Department contacted Fort Lauderdale Homicide Detectives to advise us of a homicide investigation and a possible relation to Fort Lauderdale. Investigators from Boston Police Department were interviewing an individual when he claimed responsibility for the killing of John Leyden, and additionally advised that he had buried the skull in a park in Fort Lauderdale.

Boston Police Department investigators responded to Fort Lauderdale and took custody of the skull. DNA tests ultimately confirmed that the skull did belong to the murdered victim in Boston.

Fort Lauderdale Homicide Detectives continue to cooperate with Boston Police Department who are continuing their investigation.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to call the Fort Lauderdale Police Department Hot Line (954-828-5511), Detective Carbo (954-828-6014), Boston Police Department, Sergeant Keeler (617-343-4470) or Broward County Crimestoppers.

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COMEDY NIGHT FOR CHARITY

February 20, 2004

The Fort Lauderdale Police Officer’s Association and the Fort Lauderdale Police Department are pleased to announce an upcoming Comedy Night for charity.

The P.O.A. is hosting the 5th Annual Comedy Night for Charity on March 20, 2004. There will be two shows, 6:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. at the POA Hall, located at 4500 SW 13 St., Ft Lauderdale. The proceeds from the second show will be donated to the Jimmy Gabriel College Fund. Jimmy Gabriel, an 8th grade student at the Nova School in Davie, lost both of his parents and his only sibling on February 13, 2004.

Jimmy Gabriel’s father, James Gabriel was a Fort Lauderdale Police Officer for over 20 years, serving in the Departments Special Investigations Division. He recently retired from the Police Department to continue being an Investigator for the Broward County State Attorney Office. His mother, Marie Gabriel was also a Police Department employee, working in the City Jail for over 20 years and most recently in the departments Evidence Unit. Jimmy’s brother, 12-year-old Michael Gabriel was also a student at Nova Middle School.

The Fort Lauderdale POA initiated this college fund, and appreciates everyone’s support. The comedy show will feature three Boston comics; Patty Ross, DJ Hazard and Tommy Gilmore. All three are nationally known comedy club acts. Tickets to both shows will go on sale Monday February 23rd at 4 p.m. at the Ft Lauderdale Police Officers Association Hall, located at 4500 SW 13 St., Ft Lauderdale, or by calling the Hall Manager, Peter Burt @ 954-587-7560. Tickets cost $25 each.

The public is encouraged to come out and support this most worthwhile cause. Donations to the college fund can also be made and are very much appreciated. Checks can be made payable to the Fort Lauderdale POA.

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TRAFFIC FATALITY

February 27, 2004

On Thursday night, February 26, at approximately 10:50 p.m., the Fort Lauderdale Police Department responded to the call of a traffic accident in the 3900 block of North Federal Highway.

According to witnesses, a black 1995 Mitsubishi Eclipse, being operated by Adriana Molina (12-2-82), was southbound on Federal Highway. A white 2000 Toyota, being operated by Colleen Rader (2-26-26) was northbound on Federal Highway. At the intersection of NE 39 Street, the Mitsubishi attempted to make a left turn, drove into the path of the northbound Toyota, where the vehicles collided.

Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue responded and transported all four people to area Hospitals. The driver of the Mitsubishi, Adriana Molina was transported to Broward General Hospital, where she will undergo surgery for a broken leg. The passenger of this vehicle, Victor Villatoro (5-31-74), was transported and released from North Ridge Hospital with minor injuries.

The driver of the Toyota, Colleen Rader, is in serious, but stable condition at Broward General Hospital. The passenger of the Toyota, Paula Rader (5-6-25) a Margate, Fl resident was transported to Broward General Hospital where she was pronounced deceased as a result of her injuries. The driver and passenger are not related.

The facts surrounding the accident are currently under investigation by Fort Lauderdale Police Department Traffic Homicide Unit, Investigator Dan Nahum. Anyone with information regarding this accident is encouraged to call the Fort Lauderdale Police Department (954-828-5700) or Investigator Dan Nahum @ (954-828-5754).

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