In an electrifying display of community determination, Pine Hills residents held a meeting at The Kingdom Church on Wednesday to demand accountability over the police response to a brutal mass shooting that rocked their neighborhood two years ago.
On February 22nd, 2023, Keith Moses took the lives of Natacha Augustin, T’Yonna Major, and journalist Dylan Lyons. The tragic loss continues to haunt the community, while the suspect, Keith Moses, now remains in jail awaiting trial.
Angel Grantley, the resolute aunt of the late 9-year-old T’Yonna Major, passionately advocated for justice. “We have been pushed to this, and we’re not going to stop until we see a great manifestation in Pine Hills. This is not Crime Hills. This is Pine Hills.” Her words outlined the community’s desire for transformative change.
Community members took aim at local law enforcement over what they saw as a woefully inadequate and unacceptable response. At the heart of the discussion was the glaring question of why critical measures—such as securing area schools—were not implemented during the crisis. Attorney Mark NeJame, representing the victims’ families, contended that the sluggish response may have cost T’Yonna and Dylan their lives. “We cannot allow our community to settle for the bare minimum when lives are at stake,” he asserted, highlighting that Pine Hills Elementary had not been secured since 2014—a fact he believes underscores a dangerous complacency.
Amid the seething discussion, alternative visions for the future emerged. One provocative proposal suggested that Pine Hills should secede and establish its own municipality with dedicated security forces. Former Orlando Commissioner Regina Hill noted that, “Pine Hills has enough homeowners to sustain itself,” sparking animated debate over the community’s potential for self-governance. Meanwhile, Orange County Commissioner Mike Scott reminded everyone that systemic change requires navigating complex bureaucratic channels.
In a heartfelt plea that resonated through the packed room, T’Yonna Major’s uncle Dominick Major, urged his neighbors to unite. “Come and help us. We care about this community. We love this community. We’re going to change the narrative of this community,” he said. Major’s words echoed the resolve of a people unwilling to let tragedy define their future.
The town hall marked the beginning of a relentless quest for a new era of public safety. One of the most discussed ideas was the formation of a citizens’ board to shape robust, community-led policies—a plan that organizers intend to present to the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, if the Sheriff’s Office is willing to listen to the proposal.
Even as a sheriff’s office spokesperson pointed to significant crime reductions in Pine Hills since 2012, many residents remain unmoved by statistics when weighed against the profound loss and pain experienced by the community. For these citizens, the numbers offer little comfort compared to the urgent need for justice and reform. Attorney Mark NeJame also said he was made aware that OCSO has not put many resources into the Pine Hills community because so much crime happens in that area that they cannot service it properly. One member of the community who wants to remain anonymous told The Florida Sun, “That excuse is ridiculous. “If Mina cared about this community, he would put more resources in Pine Hills. Clearly he doesn’t care.” The source added, “If other communities have less crime then they don’t need that much protection, right?”
