A Florida woman, Julie Ann Sulpizio, 48, has been arrested in connection with a tragic ambush attack that resulted in the death of one deputy and injuries to two others. Sulpizio faces charges including first-degree premeditated murder of a law enforcement officer, attempted murder, felony battery, and battery on a law enforcement officer.
The incident occurred in Lake County, Florida, where Sulpizio was taken into custody at a hospital in Tavares after being transported there for treatment. The arrest follows the shooting that claimed the life of Master Deputy Sheriff Bradley Michael Link, 28, and left Master Deputy Sheriff Harold Howell, 41, and Deputy First Class Stefano Gargano, 28, injured.
According to Sheriff Peyton Grinnell, the deputies responded to a disturbance call at a home before being directed to another residence near Eustis. Upon entering the second home, they were met with gunfire, resulting in the fatal shooting of Deputy Link. The suspect, Sulpizio, allegedly made religious comments and accused residents of being sinners.
During the investigation, it was revealed that Sulpizio had planned to lure her neighbors to her home for her husband to kill them. Fortunately, the deputies intervened before her plan could be carried out. Sulpizio showed no remorse and had been under observation in the hospital prior to her arrest.
Further details emerged as deputies conducted a welfare check at Sulpizio's residence, where they discovered two deceased dogs and suspicious circumstances. Inside the home, they encountered Sulpizio's armed husband, who ambushed Deputy Link, resulting in a tragic outcome for the entire family.
The investigation also uncovered a stockpile of weapons, ammunition, and conspiracy-related materials at the suspect's residence. The incident has shocked the community and highlighted the dangers law enforcement officers face in the line of duty.
