A reporter named Dylan Lyons, 24, and a 9-year-old girl named T’yonna Major were tragically killed in a senseless act of violence on Wednesday afternoon.
Four people were shot in the course of a murder
The situation unfolded in Orlando, Fla., and it took place while Lyons and Spectrum News 13 photojournalist Jesse Walden was at the scene of a previous murder, reports the Orlando Sentinel.
At around 4 p.m., the gunman, who is also reportedly suspected of the first murder, opened fire on the journalists. After shooting Lyons and Walden, the gunman also shot T’yonna Major and her mother.
Major and Lyons ultimately did not survive, and the other two victims are being treated for their injuries.
Shortly after the tragedy, Orange County authorities arrested a 19-year-old suspect named Keith Melvin Moses.
This is 19-year-old Keith Melvin Moses, the suspect in OCSO custody in a series of shootings earlier today that left three dead. This is a sad day for our community. Three were murdered today, including a woman in her 20s, a 9-year-old girl and a @MyNews13 employee. pic.twitter.com/DXXkxzRHl5
β Orange County Sheriff’s Office (@OrangeCoSheriff) February 23, 2023
This is 19-year-old Keith Melvin Moses, the suspect in a series of shootings today that have killed three people, including a woman in her 20s, a 9-year-old girl and a News13 staffer. We extend our deepest condolences to all of their families. This is a sad day for our community. pic.twitter.com/whq8DfbmPR
β Orange County Sheriff’s Office (@OrangeCoSheriff) February 23, 2023
People honor Dylan Lyons: “He was kidnapped too soon”
Following the tragic news, various people took to social media to remember Dylan Lyons.
Our hearts go out to the family of the journalist killed today and the injured crew member in Orange County, Florida, and to the entire Spectrum News team.
β Karine Jean-Pierre (@PressSec) February 23, 2023
I am still sad and heartbroken when I heard the news about my former TV20 colleague and friend Dylan Lyons yesterday in Orlando. I remember every time I had a chance to go to the Gainesville train station, we would joke and talk about his favorite Philly sports teams. pic.twitter.com/SQTQynZIS1
β Taylor Simpson WCJB (@TaylorSimpsonTV) February 23, 2023
The shot reporter, who was covering a murder near Orlando, was identified as Dylan Lyons, a UCF graduate and a native of Philadelphia. He only joined @MyNews13 last year. He was recently engaged and will be 25 next month. My heart breaks. He did not deserve that. @FOX29philly π pic.twitter.com/UWZBzswPR4
β Shaynah Ferreira (@ShaynahFerreira) February 23, 2023
During the broadcast, Spectrum 13 News reporter Celeste Springer spoke about the tragedy and implored viewers to “please say a prayer for each victim of gun violence.” She also spoke about how the ordeal was “extremely devastating.”
“This is extremely devastating for all of us but I am proud to have such a great team supporting us all… Please please say a prayer tonight for our colleague who is in critical condition. And while you’re at it, please say a prayer for each victim of gun violence.β
My colleague and a 9 year old baby lost their lives today. I struggled to find the words, but I said what I could say here. Thank you to everyone who has reached out and for the kind words of support for our entire team at @MyNews13 pic.twitter.com/0jXrKd6dKV
β Celeste Springer (@CelesteSpringer) February 23, 2023
The channel took a moment to acknowledge and reflect on the career of Lyons, a Philadelphia native who moved to the Sunshine State to attend the University of Central Florida.
A dedicated and motivated reporter, Dylan was shot dead while working at a murder scene. Spectrum News commemorates our fallen colleague. https://t.co/264x3y8Lup
β Spectrum News 13 (@MyNews13) February 23, 2023
There is also a GoFundMe started by Dylan’s sister Rachel Lyons and shared again by his fiancΓ©. The fundraiser’s description describes Dylan as “an acting father to his niece and nephew” who was also “a devoted son to his mother and father.” At the end his sister notes: “[Dylan] was our baby. He was taken from us too soon.β
The fiancee of Dylan Lyons, the reporter who was shot dead while covering an Orlando shooting, posted a fundraiser below: https://t.co/CPB7SLHjkU
β Philip Lewis (@Phil_Lewis_) February 23, 2023
We send our prayers to the surviving victims and our condolences to the families of the victims of this tragedy.
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