Nathacha Augustin: First victim, 38, shot dead by 19-year-old gunman Keith Moses in Orlando identified
ORLANDO, FLORIDA: As details are emerging in killings by 19-year-old Keith Melvin Moses, who shot dead 24-year-old Dylan Colby Lyons, and nine-year-old T'yonna Major, the identity of the woman who was the first victim in a string of shooting on February 22, has been revealed. The 38-year-old Nathacha Augustin, whose picture is not available, was initially reported that she was in her 20s by investigators. However, the motive for the killing remains unresolved.
Augustin's body was discovered on Hialeah Street around 11.15 am, according to WESH. Augustin was seen riding around with a man on the morning of February 22, as per an affidavit in Augustin’s death, obtained by Law&Crime. The affidavit states, "Upon arrival, deputies observed a white Hyundai on the street, with the driver, passenger, and rear driver door open. Deputies observed blood inside the white Hyundai and saw thirty year old [woman] laying on her stomach outside the vehicle on the passenger side. Deputy observed a witness who remained on scene, identified himself as the driver of the white Hyundai, and said he was the friend of the [woman]. Orange County Fire Rescue arrived on scene to assist and pronounced the [woman] deceased at 1129 hours. Deputies noted [woman] had a gunshot wound to the left side of her chin.”
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Did suspect Keith Moses know victim Nathacha Augustin?
A witness stated “on February 22 at approximately 1030 hours, he was driving in his white Hyundai and picked up [Augustin] his friend who he has known for approximately six years, from her residence. He stated they were driving around smoking cannabis for approximately thirty minutes," as per the affidavit.
The witness stated while driving north on Hastings Street, he reportedly observed ‘Keith’ walking north on Hastings Street on the east side of the road. He stated Keith ‘seemed down’ and offered him a ride. He further stated Keith entered the rear passenger side and sat directly behind. He said they were inside the vehicle for approximately thirty seconds and heard a loud ‘bang.’ The witness stated he saw blood on Augustin's face and decided to pull over at 6114 Hialeah Street.
The affidavit further stated, “The witness stated he called 911 for assistance, and Keith left the scene running,” and added that “during those thirty seconds he did not hear any argument between Keith Melvin Moses and [Augustin] and they did not know each other.” While Orange County Sheriff John Mina previously informed that "[Moses] was an acquaintance of the woman."
What happened during Orlando shooting?
Following the killing of Augustin, the suspect returned after a few hours and shot two Spectrum News 13 journalists who were covering Augustin's death. The suspect allegedly attacked the journalists in a vehicle at around 4 pm on February 22, according to the Mirror. Following this, the suspect then left the scene and shot T'yonna Major and her mother Brandi inside their house. Officials responded to the scene and found the girl and the mother with gunshot wounds. The victims were rushed to Orlando Regional Medical Center. However, the girl later died and her mother remained in critical condition. Sheriff John Mina said the suspect had no connection to the reporters and no connection to the mother and the 9-year-old. And further stated, the suspect who got arrested has a lengthy criminal history. The sheriff detailed, "At 19, he has a lengthy criminal history to include gun charges, aggravated battery and assault with a deadly weapon, burglary, and grand theft charges," as per NPR.