A Central Florida woman was recently found guilty of burglary while armed and battery of an elderly man.
This month, jurors rendered a guilty verdict in the courtroom of the Honorable Judge Joel D. Fritton during the trial of 36-year-old Melissa Marie Alexander. Alexander was found guilty as charged for the offenses of Burglary of a Dwelling with a Battery while Armed and Battery on a Person 65 Years of Age or Older.
After jurors delivered their verdict to the court, Judge Fritton ordered Alexander into custody to conduct a presentencing investigation. Alexander faces a minimum mandatory of 10 years in prison on her charges.
“The defendant’s conviction underscores the gravity of this case, where she recklessly put lives at risk by attacking an elderly individual while armed,” said Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney Bill Gladson. “This violent altercation could have ended in tragedy. Such dangerous behavior has no place in our community, and we remain committed to holding those who jeopardize the safety of others accountable.”
On April 14, 2024, the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) dispatch received a call about a threat involving a firearm. Responding deputies located the victim and a witness, who was able to secure the firearm, at the residence.
They learned from the victim, who identified Alexander as the shooter, that they had previously trespassed Alexander from their property when she showed up with the firearm. The existing trespass was verified by deputies. The victim further stated Alexander had entered the residence and upon entering a brief physical altercation ensued while attempting to have her exit the home.
During this altercation, a firearm fell from Alexander’s waistline, and upon seeing the firearm, the victim attempted to grab it and secure it away from the defendant. While doing so, a struggle between the victim and Alexander occurred over the firearm when it discharged, striking both individuals. It was at this time the witness was alerted to the altercation and was able to take control of the firearm.
The victim had an apparent gunshot wound to their hand and injuries to their face.
They were transported for medical treatment. It was then learned that Alexander had been transported to the hospital by an independent party on scene. Law enforcement responded to the hospital to question Alexander who stated she was attacked by the victim and thrown to the ground where she was then shot.
Deputies recovered video surveillance footage from the home, that confirmed the victim’s statement of the incident and depicted the defendant engaging in a physical confrontation with the victim at the residence. Alexander was subsequently arrested.
Assistant State Attorneys Tara Hartman and Kevin Davis successfully prosecuted this case.
