Dozens urge Orange County commissioners to demand accountability after two deputy shootings

Dozens of residents addressed the Orange County Board of County Commissioners in June 2025 to demand accountability after two fatal shootings by Orange County Sheriff's Office deputies that community members identified as the April and May incidents involving Luis Lopez and Tyrone Bartley.

Speakers at the podium named the victims, described what they said they had seen on sheriff's deputy body camera footage, and asked commissioners to press the sheriff for firings, to withhold budget increases, and to create independent oversight. “Justice for victims of police crimes, fire all killer cops,” said Franklin Perez during the public comment period, referring to the deaths and urging creation of civilian review boards and repeal of qualified immunity.

Why it matters: Commissioners do not supervise the sheriff’s day‑to‑day operations, but the board approves the sheriff’s budget and appoints some advisory committee members. Speakers repeatedly asked the board to use those levers — including budget oversight and nominations to the Citizens Advisory Committee — to press for faster investigations and discipline.

What speakers said: Several people who identified themselves as friends or organizers of the victims described their impressions of the footage and of the families’ loss. Jacob Muldoon said deputies “shot and killed Luis Lopez before even realizing he wasn't holding the knife they were demanding he dropped.” Organizers from Orlando Against Police Crimes pressed the board to ask tougher questions when the sheriff visits to request budget approval next month. Connor Monroe, an organizer with Orlando Against Police Crimes, said: “When he does that, you don't have to just hand over some $400,000,000 of our money before you approve the tens of millions of dollars in raises I know they'll be asking for. You have the right to ask some questions of your own.”

Several speakers described the same concerns: they said officers used commands in a language the suspects did not appear to understand, they questioned why deputies did not enter homes instead of shooting from outside, and they requested faster, transparent investigations. David Porter and Edmond Inglero said they and community organizations had sought meetings with the sheriff's advisory boards and were dissatisfied with answers there.

How the board responded: Mayor Jerry Demings and the commissioners repeatedly noted limits on the board’s authority. Demings told speakers the county does not investigate shootings and directed those with complaints to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement or the local state attorney’s office. Commissioners asked staff to schedule follow‑up conversations with the sheriff when he brings his budget request to the commission next month and discussed setting a date to review conditions at the county corrections facility after public concerns about detainees were raised.

What the board said it would do: Commissioner Wilson said she would press for a date to review the corrections facility agreements and other contracts that affect detainee handling. Several commissioners asked staff to prepare materials and to engage with the sheriff’s upcoming budget presentation. The board did not take formal disciplinary action or vote on changes at the meeting.

Context and next steps: Speakers asked the board to use the budget process, advisory‑committee appointments and public pressure to press Sheriff John Mina (referred to in comments) for firings or policy changes; the board noted those tools but said criminal investigations fall to state authorities. Organizers indicated they plan to attend the sheriff’s budget hearing and to press the commission there.

Ending: Commissioners and staff said they would continue to receive public comment and to coordinate with law enforcement and state investigators; no binding policy or budget change was adopted at the meeting.