FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Lawsuit Filed Against Orange County Sheriff’s Office for Deaths of T’Yonna Major and Dylan Lyons, and Shooting of Brandi Major

Orlando, FL - February 17, 2025 - NeJame Law has filed a lawsuit related to the tragic 2023 Pine Hills shooting against Orange County Sheriff’s Office (OCSO) on behalf of T’Yonna Major, Brandi Turner, and Dylan Lyons. This lawsuit is independent from the previous lawsuit filed against Charter Communications, the parent company of Spectrum News 13, in connection with the death of journalist Dylan Lyons.

The murders of Natacha Augustin, a rising star who performed as “Honey D” in the hip-hop music community, 9-year-old T’Yonna Major, and 24-year-old reporter Dylan Lyons reached national headlines, due to the senseless violence that occurred and the impact it had on both our nation and our local community.

The Complaint against the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, filed in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida, seeks justice for the loss of life and accountability for the actions and policies that led to these horrific tragedies on that fateful day. Ms. Brandi Major was driving into her neighborhood after picking up her 9-year-old daughter T’Yonna from school. Observing Orange County deputies in the neighborhood, she inquired as to what was happening. She was advised that everything was taken care of and was waved on to head home. She was not informed nor warned that a murder had taken place in her neighborhood and that the killer was still at large, despite her specific inquiry to law enforcement. Although deputies were aware that the murderer was still at large, and the Orange County Sheriff’s Office knew his identity, they failed to advise or warn Brandi Major of the imminent danger present. Whether through indifference or gross and reckless negligence, the disregard of truthfully and accurately informing Brandi and her child of the situation lulled them into a false sense of security, which led to their senseless and needless shooting. Believing there was no threat or harm posed because of the assurances given, she had no knowledge or ability to take preventive measures she otherwise could have to secure the safety of herself, her family, and her daughter. As such, her fatal reliance on the word of the deputy brought her and her daughter into the path of the killer. Ms. Brandi Major was shot and T'Yonna Major killed as a result of the Orange County Sheriff’s Office’s policies, procedures, and protocols.

The Orange County Sheriff’s Office’s actions also put Dylan Lyons in harm’s way. The murder scene of Natacha had been cleared completely, and there was no indication or trace of where Natacha had been killed. As such, Dylan’s truck was literally atop the very spot where Natacha was murdered earlier in the day. This lack of warning and failure to communicate critical safety information left Dylan Lyons and others unaware of the imminent danger, ultimately leading to his tragic death.

A press conference regarding this second lawsuit filed is scheduled for Tuesday, February 18, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. at the offices of NeJame Law, 111 N. Orange Avenue, Suite 1300, Orlando, Florida 32801. So that the families can have the privacy they deserve, and be allowed to continue to grieve and process the loss of their beloved children, we request that all media inquiries be directed to their attorneys, Mark NeJame, DeLayne Penland, and Ryan Vescio, all partners of NeJame Law.

NeJame Law is a nationally recognized firm dedicated to seeking justice and holding institutions accountable. With decades of experience in high-profile and complex litigation, NeJame Law remains committed to vigorously representing their clients and being a voice for the voiceless.