Florida Sheriff’s Deputy Released from Hospital Months After Tragic ‘Ambush’
A Florida sheriff’s deputy was released from the hospital on Monday, a month after he was shot in an “ambush” attack that killed one deputy and left him and another deputy wounded, according to reports.
The Heroic Response
Deputy First Class Stefano Gargano, 28, and Master Deputy Sheriff Harold Howell, 41, found themselves in a perilous situation. Their bravery was on full display when they rushed to rescue Master Deputy Bradley Michael Link, who had been shot and trapped inside a distressed home in Eustis, Florida, following a concerning welfare check.
“They were ambushed,” reflected Lake County Sheriff Peyton C. Grinnell, his voice still heavy with sorrow. “We lost one tonight.”
Sadly, Link succumbed to his injuries later at a hospital. Gargano faced critical condition after sustaining multiple gunshot wounds to his stomach and armpit and underwent immediate and extensive surgery.
Medical Journey and the Pursuit of Justice
Master Deputy Sheriff Harold Howell was shot in the shoulder but was fortunate enough to be released early last month. Gargano, after enduring at least five surgeries throughout the harrowing month, is now expected to fully recover, according to FOX 35.
In a somber twist of fate, the alleged perpetrator, Julie Sulpizio, aged 48, faces a daunting legal battle. She has been charged with first-degree murder and several counts of attempted murder, with the potential for a death penalty conviction looming over her.
The ordeal unfolded when the deputies approached a home with a kicked-in back door. They were met with gunfire from Sulpizio’s husband, Michael, who was fortified with body armor and carrying a rifle. It was a terrifying scene that turned deadly; Link was tragically shot and remained trapped inside.
A Disturbing Encounter
Sheriff Grinnell recounted that a caller reported Sulpizio attacking neighbors and trespassing, a chaotic prelude to the violence that ensued. Allegations indicated that Sulpizio had aggressively confronted residents, making bizarre religious claims against them. She later revealed a disturbing intention: to lure her neighbors to their home so that her husband could harm them.
The chilling atmosphere within the home was compounded by the presence of Sulpizio and Michael’s daughters, Savannah and Cheyenne, who were also there during the ordeal. One daughter reportedly shouted, “My King will kill all of you! You are Lucifer’s children!”—words that echoed the madness engulfing the family.
The Shocking Aftermath
In a tragic twist, body camera footage revealed discussions among Michael and his daughters regarding suicidal thoughts, a precursor to their untimely deaths, all found with gunshot wounds to their heads. The aftermath unveiled a startling inventory of weapons and supplies, but also revealed a deeper issue—an alarming trove of anti-government propaganda and conspiracy material within the home.
This grim saga highlights not only the valor displayed by the deputies but also underscores the layers of tragedy, mental health struggles, and the ripple effect of violence within a community. Each life lost is a stark reminder of the fragility of human connections and the dire consequences of unchecked distress.
Fox News’ Landon Mion contributed to this report.
