A Lake County deputy was killed, and two others were injured in an ambush shooting after responding to a disturbance call in Eustis, Florida on August 2, 2024. The incident occurred at approximately 8 p.m. when deputies encountered gunfire after entering a home with a kicked-in door.
Master Deputy Sheriff Bradley Michael Link, 28, was fatally shot during the encounter. He had served with the Lake County Sheriff’s Office since October 2019, following his service in the Army Reserves and the Polk County Sheriff’s Office. Sheriff Peyton Grinnell described him as a valued member of their team who quickly became like family, noting that his contributions will always be remembered.
The ambush left two deputies injured. Deputy First Class Stefano Gargano, 28, was shot multiple times in the abdomen, armpit and groin and remains in serious condition following surgery. Master Deputy Sheriff Harold Howell, 41, was struck in the shoulder and is reported to be in stable condition. The deputies had responded to a call about a disturbance on Brookside Drive and were led to a nearby house where they faced heavy gunfire.
SWAT teams were deployed to the scene, encountering significant resistance from within the house. The team “tore apart the home” to rescue the trapped deputy, according to Grinnell. The house was described as a “bunker-style dwelling” stocked with firearms, ammunition, and anti-government materials, highlighting the suspects’ preparedness and motives.
The suspects involved in the shooting were identified as Michael Sulpizio, 49, and his two adopted daughters, Savannah Sulpizio, 23, and Cheyenne Sulpizio, 22. All three suspects were found dead inside the home after the confrontation, though the exact cause of their deaths has not been disclosed. Another woman, Julia Jefferson, co-owner of the home, was taken into custody for a psych evaluation. It is believed that she was the cause of the disturbance. Neighbors said she attacked people and local resident Austin Humphrey said, “She was talking about how she was hell and God’s wife, and we were all demons, and our dogs were hell hounds and all of this, and it was just a crazy and insane moment.”
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement has launched an investigation into the incident, marking the first deputy death in the community since February 2005. Investigators are examining the scene and interviewing witnesses to understand the events leading to the deadly ambush.
GoFundMe pages have been set up to assist with Master Deputy Link’s funeral expenses and medical costs for Deputy Gargano and his family. Link leaves behind his wife, Brittany, and his parents, Christi and Daniel. Those who knew him have widely recognized his dedication to duty and service to the community.