WUFT News News and Public Media for North Central Florida from the University of Florida in Gainesville
Subscribe to The Point, arriving in your inbox Monday through Friday at 8 a.m. The stories near you • WUFT News: Florida Supreme Court rejects execution appeal for man convicted of killing two women. “The court upheld the death warrant signed by Governor Ron DeSantis signed on Aug. 17. Zack is …
Read More »Florida Supreme Court rejects execution appeal for man convicted of killing two women
The Florida Supreme Court has rejected an execution appeal for Michael Duane Zack III, who is facing a death sentence for killing two women in 1996 over the course of a nine-day crime spree near Tallahassee, Florida. The court upheld the death warrant signed by Governor Ron DeSantis signed on …
Read More »Police arrest man driving car of a fatal shooting victim
Family members of Johnny Walker gathered recently at his apartment to mourn his death. “We just want justice for Johnny, and I'm gonna keep saying those words," said Walker's sister, Dawn Walker. Anyone with information regarding the shooting is urged to report it to the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office.
Read More »Adult son accused of firing five gunshots at own mother during argument
Adult son accused of firing five gunshots at own mother during argument GAINESVILLE, Fla. – An argument at a home in Gainesville ended with a mother fleeing in terror as her adult son fired five shots at her car. Other family members, including one minor, were inside the house during …
Read More »Death sentence appeal rejected by Florida Supreme Court
The Florida Supreme Court rejected the appeal of an inmate convicted of first degree murder in 1994. Floyd Damren, 72, challenged his death sentence after being diagnosed with autism and post-traumatic stress disorder. Damren was sentenced to death after he beat an R.G.C. Mineral Sands employee with a steel pipe …
Read More »The Point, Aug. 10, 2023: GRU rates increase, Florida ticket wins jackpot, a man rides a train
Subscribe to The Point, arriving in your inbox Monday through Friday at 8 a.m. The stories near you • WUFT News: Clay County Commissioner Kristen Burke offers her voice to Russell Landing contamination concerns. “Residents worried that Solite’s operations left behind carcinogenic chemicals and heavy metals that made their way into …
Read More »DeSantis suspends Orlando-area prosecutor
TALLAHASSEE — Gov. Ron DeSantis on Wednesday suspended Orlando-area State Attorney Monique Worrell, accusing the prosecutor of “neglecting her duty” and being lax on criminal enforcement. DeSantis’ suspension of Worrell, elected in 2020 as state attorney for Florida’s 9th Judicial Circuit in Orange and Osceola counties, marks the second time …
Read More »‘Choose Peace’: Gainesville to host gun violence summit to address deaths and violence in the community
Gainesville will host a two-day summit to address the high gun violence rates sweeping the city. The summit, titled “Choose Peace: Gun Violence Must Cease,” will be held Sunday and Monday and seeks to address the nuances and logistical issues facing gun-violence prevention. The event aims to bring community stakeholders …
Read More »Death of Ocala woman motivates gun law reformation conversation at community vigil
Two months after the death of Ajike “AJ” Owens, cries for gun reform legislation and justice still ring throughout the Gainesville community. Dozens of residents gathered for a candlelight vigil on Wednesday at the GNV Bridge Community Center to commemorate the life of Owens, a Black mother of four who …
Read More »The Point, July 24, 2023: Judge sets date for Trump documents trial
Subscribe to The Point, arriving in your inbox Monday through Friday at 8 a.m. The stories near you • WCJB: I-75 shut down, then reopened after deputies say murder suspect took their own life. “ASO deputies learned about a potential murder suspect coming from Columbia County. Deputies closed off all highway …
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