Wednesday, March 27, 2024

Obituaries - Donna Johnston, John Handley, James Phillips

Donna Kay Johnston age 67 of LaBelle, Florida passed away at Hope Healthcare Services after a brief illness on March 24, 2024.

Donna was born in Tampa, Florida on October 9, 1956 to the union of Larry and Hazel Johnston. Donna was a loving mother, companion, friend and grandmother who will be missed by everyone who loved and cared for her.

Donna leaves fond memories with her companion of 22 years, Raymond White of LaBelle, Florida, he loving grandchildren and her close friends and extended family members.

Donna was preceded in death by her son; Zach Gause.

Cremation arrangements for Donna will be accorded by Akin-Davis Funeral Home – LaBelle.

John Carman Handley, age 80 of Alva, Florida passed away at his home with his loving family around him on March 22, 2024.

John was born on August 27, 1943 in Fort Myers, Florida to the late Luther and Rebecca Simmons Handley. He proudly served his country in the United States Navy. He worked all of his life after his service to his country in the construction field. He married Shirley Walker Handley, she proceed him in death on September 13, 2010. John enjoyed riding 4x4s, side by sides, fishing, being a loving husband, father and grandfather.

John leaves fond memories with his children; Sheila Annette Handley of Alva, Florida, Rebecca Anne Leocadio and her husband Rob of LaBelle, Florida, John Harlen Handley and his wife Irene of Avon Park, Florida, along with seven grandchildren, four great grandchildren, two brothers; Robert Handley and his wife Linda of Fort Myers, Florida, Donald Handley of LaBelle, Florida and many extended family members and close family friends also survive.

John will be cremated and his cremains will be placed with his wife in Fort Denaud Cemeter

On March 21, 2024, after a brief illness, James William Phillips breathed his last breath on earth and took his first in Heaven. 

James was born July 29, 1955 to Wade D. Phillips and Leola Blondell Kent. He grew up in Clewiston, FL and graduated from Clewiston High School with the Class of 1977 and was voted Most Dependable. 

He spent most of his adult years working at Everglades Sugar Refinery. 

In 1980 he married Janet R. Willis and they had two sons. James will best be remembered as a selfless, loving family man and a great, loyal friend to those who knew him best. He was a history buff who could almost always get the answers right on Jeopardy and just knowledgeable about so many subjects. 

He was a very private person, most would say he was a loner, but he enjoyed the outdoors, had a green thumb and was a great cook. He took care of his mother and father as their health began to decline...he was a wonderful son, brother, father and grandfather and he will be missed greatly by all who knew him.

James was preceded in death by his parents, Wade and Blondell. He is survived by his sons, James Landon Phillips (Kirstin) of Plainfield, IL and Christian LaDesse Phillips (Melissa) of LeHigh Acres, FL, and his faithful four legged companion of 8 years, Pearl, sisters, Mary Pridgen (Glen) of Clewiston FL, Patricia Miller (Danny) of Lake Placid, FL, brothers, Alan Phillips and Wade Phillips of Clewiston, FL and seven grandchildren, Alyssa Phillips, of Savannah, GA, Julian Phillips, Aubrey Phillips, Brylee Phillips and Austin Phillips of Plainfield, IL, Ethan Phillips and Elliott Phillips of LeHigh Acres, FL, and several nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews.

Arrangements were made by Akin-Davis Funeral Home.

Hendry Deputy's 10 Year Old Son Arrested On Gun Charges

LABELLE, FL. -- TWO JUVENILES ARRESTED ON FIREARM CHARGES

After receiving information earlier this morning of the about the exchange of a firearm between two ten-year old students enrolled at Country Oaks Elementary School. Hendry County Deputies along with Country Oaks Elementary School Administrators spoke with and interviewed students which later resulted in their arrest.

The elementary school in Port LaBelle was on lockdown this morning.

Carlos Santos Madrid and Jaiden Diego Escobedo Arrested - Both 10 Years Old

After finding ammunition in 10-year-old Carlos Santos Madrid’s backpack a series of events began to unfold. It was learned that during the first part of February 10-year-old Jaiden Diego Escobedo agreed to exchange a handgun, (later found to belong to his deceased father), for a sum of $300.00.

The firearm was later located in Madrid’s backyard under a shed. When Investigators removed the firearm, they also located a baggie of marijuana weighing approximately 74 grams.

Madrid was arrested and charged with Sale/Purchase of a Firearm by a Minor, Unlawful Possession of a Firearm by a Minor, Possession of a Firearm on School Property and Possession of Marijuana over 20 grams.

Escobedo was arrested and charged with Selling of a Firearm to a Minor, Unlawful Possession of a Firearm by a Minor, Possession of a Firearm on School Property and Grand Theft of a Firearm.

The mother of Escobedo is a Deputy with the Hendry County Sheriff’s Office and has been placed on Administrative Leave pending an Administrative Inquiry.

Both Juveniles have been placed in the custody of Department of Juvenile Justice.

Monday, March 25, 2024

Obituaries - Julius Hubert "Jay" Green, Joseph Lee Barley

Julius Hubert "Jay" Green age 68 of Clewiston, Florida passed away at Select Specialty Hospital of Palm Beach on March 21, 2024. 

Jay was born in Hialeah, Florida on December 1, 1955, to the late Hubert Sidney and Muriel Fralish Green. 

Jay was a resident at Sunrise Community of Southwest Florida in Clewiston, Florida. Jay was a loving son, brother, uncle and friend who will be dearly missed by everyone who loved and knew him. 

Jay leaves fond memories with his loving mother; Muriel F. Green of Moore Haven, sister; Melanie Matrascia and her husband Mike of St. Johns, Florida, brothers; Theran K. Green and his wife Brenda of Lehigh Acres, Florida, and Preston Green of Moore Haven, Florida along with many nieces and nephews. 

Jay also leaves fond memories with to special friends that helped take care of Jay while he lived at Sunrise Community of Southwest Florida; Debbie Howell and Roxana Limdeimas. 

Celebration of Jay's life will be held on Friday, March 29, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. under the Pavilion in Ortona Cemetery. 

A gathering period immediately prior to the celebration service will also be held on Friday. 

Jay will be laid to rest next to his maternal grandmother in Ortona Cemetery. 

Celebration arrangements are being handled by Akin-Davis Funeral Home - Clewiston.

Joseph Lee Barley, (57), of Fort Myers Florida went to be with the Lord on 03/17/2024. Surrounded by his love ones he passed away peacefully in Sarasota, Florida.

Joseph, known to family as “Joey” was born to Joseph Shelton Barley Sr. and Patricia Ann McGill of Fort Myers Florida. A 4th generation Floridian, Joey grew up hunting and fishing in all Old Florida had to offer. 

A graduate of North Fort Myers High School class of 1984. He left Fort Myers after enlisting in the Marine Corps in 1985. 

From 1985 to 1989. Upon his return to Florida he continued to serve with the Cape Coral Fire Department then eventually with the Lee County Sheriff’s Office. 

He retired in 2017 to a peaceful life raising cattle, hunting, and fishing with his son. 

He is preceded in death by his mother, father, and brother Shelton. He is survived by his wife Sandy, son Blake (Daughter in law Nevada), daughter Amy, all of his siblings, and many nieces and nephews he considered his children.

Services will be held at Crossroads Baptist Church 10721 Palm Beach Blvd, Fort Myers Florida. A viewing will be held at 9 AM with a service to follow. 

He will be laid to eternal rest in Fort Denaud.

Hendry Sheriff Arrests This Week

ARREST BLOTTER
03/18/2024 – 03/24/2024

Felony / DUI Arrests

La’Travis Udarious Williams, 24, LaBelle was arrested on March 18, 2024, by Deputy Sheriff D. Givans on charges of Fraud-Uttering a Forged Instrument, two counts of Forgery, two counts of Petit Theft and Grand Theft

Kaylena Pearl Williams, 26, Clewiston was arrested on Mrach 18, 2024, by Sgt. M. Frazier on charges of Felon Violation of Probation

Felipe DeJesus Perea Robles, 36, LaBelle was arrested on March 18, 2024, by Deputy Sheriff N. Todd on charges of Possession of Methamphetamine and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

Derell Javez Odom, 31, was arrested on March 18, 2024, by Deputy Sheriff K. Barrientos on charges of Possession of Controlled Substance without Prescription, Trespass and County Ordinance Violation – Open Container

O C Hunter, Jr., 56, Clewiston was arrested on March 19, 2024, by Deputy Sheriff D. Blanco on charges of Possession of Methamphetamine and Trespass

Marvin Hernandez, 34, LaBelle was arrested on March 19, 2024, by Deputy Sheriff D. Coronilla on three counts of Felony Probation Violation

Alexandro Vazquez, 32, Clewiston was arrested on March 19, 2024, by Deputy Sheriff I. Rodriguez on four counts of Felony Probation Violation

Marvin Hernandez, 34, LaBelle was arrested on March 20, 2024, by Deputy Sheriff D. Givans for two counts of Felony Probation Violation

Cornelius Lewis Ward, Jr., 19, Clewiston was arrested on Marh 20, 2023 by Sgt. L. Hernandez on charges of Felony Probation Violation

Elijah Malachi McLymont-Davis, 20, LaBelle was arrested on March 21, 2024, by Cpl. L. Drew on charges of Possession of Controlled Substance without Prescription, Possession of Controlled Substance with Intent to Distribute, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Possession of Marijuana under 20 grams and Possession of Marijuana with Intent to Sell

Evan Anand Ramdhani, 18, Cape Coral was arrested on March 21, 2024, by Deputy Sheriff O. Gonzalez on charges of Possession of Marijuana under 20 grams and Fleeing & Eluding LEO

Dillon Thomas Harrington, 25, Moore Haven was arrested on March 23, 2024, by Deputy Sheriff S. Kirkby on charges of Loitering & Prowling and Possession of Burglary Tools with Intent to Use

Milton John Strickland, 43, Felda was arrested on March 23, 2024, by Deputy Sheriff S. Kirkby on charges of Loitering & Prowling and Possession of Burglary Tools with Intent to Use

Edward James Villarreal, 34, Moore Haven was arrested on March 23, 2024, by Deputy Sheriff S. Kirkby on charges of Loitering & Prowling and Possession of Burglary Tools with Intent to Use

Andre Pablo Alvarado, 36, Clewiston was arrested on March 23, 2024, by Deputy Sheriff I. Cadena on charges of Felony Probation Violation

Oreste Perez, 41, Clewiston was arrested on March 23, 2024, by Deputy Sheriff H. Carranza on charges of Felony Criminal Mischief, Aggravated Assault with Deadly Weapon without Intent to Kill

Toni Amanda Varnum, 35, Clewiston was arrested on March 23, 2024, by Cpl. S. Rivera on charges of Uttering a Forged Instrument and Grand Theft

Sandra Shuntae Wright, 37, Clewiston was arrested on March 23, 2024, by Cpl. S. Rivera on charges of Felony Probation Violation, Felony Failure to Appear and Providing False ID to LEO

Vanessa Marie Billie, 42, Clewiston was arrested on March 23, 2024 by Cpl. L. Drew on charges of Possession of Cocaine, Possession of Drug Equipment to Transport Drugs, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia Contempt of Court and three counts of Probation Violation

Thursday, March 21, 2024

Anne Lang Wanted For 2021 DUI Manslaughter

ANNE LANG WANTED ON DUI MANSLAUGHTER WARRANTS

LABELLE, FL. -- Have you seen Anne Lang (DOB 12/9/82)? 

She is currently listed as a missing person out of Lee County, having last been seen on March 15th. 

However information developed during the investigation revealed that she is actually on the run, trying to avoid seven DUI related warrants, including multiple counts of DUI manslaughter. 

In a January 20, 2021, crash, Lang was driving her 2011 BMW east on State Road 80, in the vicinity of County Road 78A, in excess of 100 mph.

At the same time, a 2009 Chevrolet attempted to back from 5411 State Road 80 and entered the path of the BMW.

The front of the BMW collided with the rear of the Chevrolet. The crash resulted in the untimely death of the Chevrolet driver (male, age 42 of Labelle) and two teen passengers (both females, ages 13 and 15 of Labelle).

Lang was supposed to show up for her trial on the charges in Hendry County recently, however was a no show, and now a failure to appear warrant for her arrest has been issued. 

Although Lang is still considered a missing person, she is also a wanted fugitive. 

If you have any information on her whereabouts, please reach out to us at 1-800-780-TIPS (8477)

You'll always remain anonymous and if your tip leads to her arrest, we'll pay a cash reward!

Original Arrest Story on Southwest Florida Online

-source: Southwest Florida Crimestoppers

UPDATE:

Anne Lang' court record has disappeared from the Hendry County Court's online records. Her photo has also been removed from the Sheriff's online record of arrests. The Clerk of Court office reportedly says they remove cases online when the person doesn't show up for court and an warrant has been issued for their arrest.

Opinion: As it's rare for a record to be removed from the Clerk of Courts online records (except for records showing law enforcement and judicial officials' addresses) I suspect that Lang's record has been removed while law enforcement is searching for her, and information in the court record may interfere with that search. The removal of the photo may also be as a result of the investigation going on to find her.