Florida Woman Arrested in Deadly Ambush Shooting of Deputies; Death Penalty Possible

A woman from Florida has been arrested in connection with an ambush attack that resulted in the death of a sheriff's deputy and injuries to two others. Julie Ann Sulpizio, 48, was indicted on multiple charges, including three counts of attempted first-degree premeditated murder of a law enforcement officer, conspiracy to commit premeditated murder in the first degree, battery on a law enforcement officer, and three counts of battery on others.

Arrest and Indictment

Sulpizio was arrested on August 5 at a hospital in Tavares, Florida, after being taken there for treatment on August 2, when the crime occurred. Master Deputy Sheriff Bradley Michael Link, 28, was killed in the shooting, which was described as an "ambush" by Lake County Sheriff Peyton Grinnell. Master Deputy Sheriff Harold Howell, 41, and Deputy First Class Stefano Gargano, 28, were injured in the attack.

Details of the Attack

The deputies responded to a report of a disturbance at a home around 8 p.m. before being directed to another home near Eustis. Upon finding the back door kicked in and a disturbance inside, deputies were met with gunfire upon entering the home. Sulpizio allegedly hit residents and made religious comments, claiming to be "Helen, under God's will."

Statements and Evidence

During a later interview with investigators, Sulpizio claimed she was attempting to lure her neighbors to her home for her husband to kill them. The sheriff also mentioned finding a stockpile of guns, ammunition, and bottled water in their home, as well as anti-government propaganda and material from conspiracy theory-related media.