Lake County Deputy Shooting: Suspect Unfit for Trial Again
Julie Sulpizio, the woman accused in the Lake County deputy shooting, has again been deemed unfit to stand trial, a decision that spotlights the complexities of the case. Diagnosed with schizophrenia, the court found Sulpizio poses a threat, mandating her placement under the Department of Children and Families’ care. This ruling follows the tragic ambush in August 2024, which resulted in the death of Master Deputy Bradley Link and injuries to others. The details of that day, including the chilling account of the assailant answering Link’s phone, haunt those involved. Legal proceedings are paused until competency is restored. For more, see the latest from News Directory 3. Discover what’s next for Sulpizio and the ongoing investigation.
Julie Sulpizio Deemed Incompetent in Lake County Ambush Case
updated May 30, 2025
LAKE COUNTY, Fla. – Julie Sulpizio, the woman accused of orchestrating an ambush that led to the death of a Lake county deputy and injuries to two others, has been declared mentally incompetent to stand trial.A court order filed Wednesday mandates that Sulpizio be placed under the care of the Department of Children and Families (DCF).
The order states that Sulpizio suffers from schizophrenia and poses a significant danger to herself or others. Her condition also prevents her from adequately caring for herself. Consequently, she is deemed unable to participate in any legal proceedings, including the trial, sentencing, plea negotiations, or probation processes. The court found that no option treatments could improve her condition.
The Lake County ambush occurred Aug. 2, 2024, in Eustis. Master Deputy Bradley Link was fatally shot while responding to a disturbance call. according to the Lake County Sheriff’s Office, Sulpizio directed deputies to a Brookside Drive home where her family members were armed.
After deputies handcuffed Sulpizio, they approached the residence to check on her husband, Michael Sulpizio, and their two adult daughters, Cheyenne and Sylvana. Upon entering, the deputies were met with gunfire. Link was shot multiple times and became trapped. Michael Sulpizio and his daughters later died from self-inflicted gunshot wounds, authorities said. Deputies Harold Howell and Stefano Gargano were also shot but survived.
Prosecutors had announced their intention to seek the death penalty against Sulpizio if she were convicted of first-degree murder in the ambush. She initially pleaded not guilty to the charges, which include principal to first-degree murder of a law enforcement officer and conspiracy to commit murder.
Lake County Sheriff Peyton Grinnell recounted a chilling detail from the night of the ambush during Deputy Link’s memorial service.
One of the assailants in the home removed Brad’s phone from his person and answered that phone call. The assailant asked Brittany, ‘Who is this?’ Brittany stated, ‘I am Brad’s wife. who are you?’ To which the assailant responded, ‘So you say that you are supposedly the dead man’s wife?’ That will forever be the worst phone call of Brittany’s life.
Peyton Grinnell, Lake County Sheriff
Grinnell is now tasked with transporting Sulpizio to a DCF-designated treatment facility once a bed becomes available.
What’s next
Sulpizio will receive treatment at a DCF facility. The legal proceedings against her remain suspended until her competency is restored.