A reporter named Dylan Lyons, 24, and a 9-year-old girl named T’yonna Major were tragically killed in an act of senseless violence on Wednesday afternoon.
Four people shot after a murder
The situation unfolded in Orlando, Floridaand it went like Lyons and Spectrum News 13 photojournalist Jesse Walden was at the scene of a previous murder, Orlando Guards report.
At around 4 p.m., the shooter – who is also believed to be a suspect in the original murder – opened fire on the journalists. After shooting Lyons and Walden, the perpetrator also shot down T’yonna Major and her mother.
Major and Lyons ultimately did not survive, and two other victims were being treated for their injuries.
Immediately after the tragedy, Orange County authorities arrested a 19-year-old suspect named Keith Melvin Moses.
This is 19-year-old Keith Melvin Moses, suspect in a series of shootings today that left three dead, in OCSO custody. This is a sad day for our community. Three people were murdered today, including a woman in her 20s, a 9-year-old girl and a @MyNews13 workers. pic.twitter.com/DXXkxzRHl5
— Orange County Sheriff’s Office (@OrangeCoSheriff) February 23, 2023
This is Keith Melvin Moses, 19, the suspect in today’s series of shootings that left three people dead, including a woman in her 20s, a 9-year-old girl and a News13 employee. We send our deepest condolences to all of their families. This is a sad day for our community. pic.twitter.com/whq8DfbmPR
— Orange County Sheriff’s Office (@OrangeCoSheriff) February 23, 2023
People glorify Dylan Lyons: ‘He was arrested too soon’
In the wake of the tragic news, many people took to social media to pay tribute to Dylan Lyons.
Our hearts go out to the family of the journalist killed today and the crew member injured in Orange County, Florida, as well as the entire Spectrum News team.
– Karine Jean-Pierre (@PressSec) February 23, 2023
I am still sad and heartbroken when I learned yesterday in Orlando about my former TV20 colleague and friend, Dylan Lyons. I remember every time we had a chance to go to the station in Gainesville, we would always joke and talk about his favorite Philly sports teams. pic.twitter.com/SQTQynZIS1
– Taylor Simpson WCJB (@TaylorSimpsonTV) February 23, 2023
The reporter shot dead while covering a murder near Orlando has been identified as Dylan Lyons, a UCF graduate student and native of Philadelphia. He joined @MyNews13 just last year. He just got engaged and will turn 25 next month. My heart is broken. He doesn’t deserve this. @FOX29philly 💔 pic.twitter.com/UWZBzswPR4
– Shaynah Ferreira (@ShaynahFerreira) February 23, 2023
While on air, Spectrum News 13 reporter Celeste Springer spoke of the tragedy and she urged viewers to “pray for every victim of gun violence.” She also spoke of the “extremely devastating” ordeal.
“This has been devastating for all of us, but I’m proud to have such a great team supporting us all…Please, please pray tonight for our colleague who is in pain. critical condition. And while you’re at it, please pray for all victims of gun violence.”
My colleague and a 9 year old baby passed away today. Struggling to find the words, but I said what I could here. Thank you to everyone who signed up and for the kind words of support to our entire team at @MyNews13 pic.twitter.com/0jXrKd6dKV
– Celeste Spring (@CelesteSpringer) February 23, 2023
The station took a moment to honor 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 energetic reporter, Dylan was shot and killed while working at the scene of a murder. Spectrum News honors our fallen colleague. https://t.co/264x3y8Lup
– Spectral News 13 (@MyNews13) February 23, 2023
There is also a GoFundMe that was started by Dylan’s older sister, Rachel Lyons, and shared by his fiancée. In the fundraiser’s description, Dylan is described as “a father who acts towards his niece and nephew” as well as “a devoted son to his parents”. Finally, his sister noted, “[Dylan] are our children. He was taken by us too soon.
The fiancee of Dylan Lyons, a reporter shot dead while covering an Orlando shooting, posted the following fundraising post: https://t.co/CPB7SLHjkU
— philip lewis (@Phil_Lewis_) February 23, 2023
We offer our prayers to the survivors, and our condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in this tragedy.
