“Shame on them!” Families of Pine Hills shooting victims accuse DeSantis and Scott of exploiting deaths
ORLANDO, Florida. – The families of two of the three victims of a series of shootings in Pine Hills last week took the time Thursday to speak publicly about their loved ones for the first time, as well as criticize Florida Gov. efforts to create a false narrative.”
Attorney Mark Nejame sat with the families of News 13 reporter Dylan Lyons, 24, and Tionna Major, 9, who were crying and holding each other. Nejame said both families contacted him separately to represent them and then asked to meet.
Nejame does not represent the family of the third victim, Natacha Augustin, who was the first victim killed last week.
Nejame said that both families came from the same socio-economic background, but now they were connected by tragedy.
“Now they were members of a club that no man would ever want to be a member of – that’s someone who lost a child or a fiancé to gun violence,” Nejame said. “Both families are united in their quest to bring attention to gun violence in America and the frenzy that has gripped some politicians and others over the issue.”
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“It doesn’t matter if you’re black or white, whether you live in Pine Hills or Windermere, Democrat or Republican, gun violence is always the same. Look around in this room, last week it was our family, next week it could be yours, or one of your friends, or relatives, or yourself,” said Dylan Lyons’ father, Gary.
“It’s not just these families, everyone is suffering. Something has to be done,” Brandi Major sobbed before she finally asked to leave the room, unable to speak anymore.
Nejaim also turned his attention to DeSantis and Scott, whom he accused of conspiracy “in a coordinated effort to create a false narrative,” and defended State Attorney Monique Worrell, who called for changes to Florida’s juvenile justice system to make it better. able to deal with violent juvenile delinquents.
Nejaim stated that Scott and DeSantis, who demanded documents relating to the case’s suspect, Keith Moses, and accused Worrell of failing to prosecute violent criminals, were in fact evading “the issue of gun violence in America and their support, basically insane, barely-restricted gun laws and open-carry laws that will only lead to more unnecessary and innocent deaths.”
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“No one on this planet wants this killer to be convicted and sentenced to the maximum term, except for these families. I assure you,” Nejame said. “However, easy access to lethal firearms, including people like this killer who was apparently legally allowed to have one, is an issue that DeSantis and Scott avoid and dismiss.”
Gary Lyons, father of Dylan Lyons, said the families did not hear from either DeSantis or Scott to offer their condolences, but received condolences from Worrell, Orange County Sheriff John Mina and Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings.
Lyons said he learned of Scott and DeSantis’ remarks from the media.
“As parents, I was shocked that they couldn’t take 30 seconds of their time to just call and say I’m sorry about your child’s death,” Lyons said. “The emotions we heard from Mayor Demings, we heard from Monique Worrell, we heard from John Mina, were very sympathetic to us in our time of grief, and we were very grateful for that.
“How could our governor and senator not even get through, (DeSantis) was Disney there, taking back the Disney district, but he couldn’t call for 30 seconds?” he added.
Lyons said the epidemic of gun violence is killing “the very fabric of America.”
“I don’t know of a solution to gun violence in America, but politicians and legislators should create tougher gun laws and not worry too much about political ambition or connections, or emphasize Second Amendment rights without considering lives that matter.” Lyons said.
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