5 Major Central Florida Lawsuits to Watch in 2025

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ORLANDO, Fla. – FOX 35 News has been following major criminal cases in Central Florida for the past several years. Here’s a look at some important trials set to begin in 2025.

Ellen Gilland

Ellen Gilland, 78, is accused of fatally shooting her terminally ill husband in a hospital room at AdventHealth in Daytona Beach in January 2023.

According to authorities, the couple had planned the act for weeks, intending for Gilland to end her husband’s life and then her own. However, after shooting him in the head, which triggered a hospital lockdown, she failed to follow through on the second part of the plan.

She told deputies after the shooting that she was going to have law enforcement take her own life in an attempted “suicide by cop,” according to an arrest affidavit.

Gilland was originally charged with first-degree murder. However, her charges were amended to assist-suicide/homicide, aggravated assault and aggravated battery on a law enforcement officer.

Her trial is scheduled to begin on January 6, 2025.

Regina Hill

Suspended Orlando City Commissioner Regina Hill, 58, was custody in March 2024 on charges that include elder exploitation, fraudulent use of personal identity and mortgage fraud, according to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE).

The allegations stemmed from a 13-month period FDLE investigation which was triggered by a criminal complaint filed with the Florida Attorney General’s Office in February 2023.

The investigation revealed that Hill allegedly set up a power of attorney for a 96-year-old woman and proceeded to purchase a home with her listed as co-owner without permission, and also using the funds to purchase a facelift, IV infusions, a New Year’s Eve stay in Miami, car insurance, dental surgery and other personal bills. These alleged transactions exceeded $100,000.

Hill’s trial is scheduled for January 27, 2025.

Tyshael Martin

In August 2024, Tyshael Martin was arrested near her Montverde home on multiple charges, including first-degree murder in the death of her boyfriend’s 9-year-old daughter, Jamaria Sessions.

Martin’s arrest came after an investigation after Jamaria was found unanswered at the Harbor Oaks Drive home they shared on June 17, 2024. The young woman had injuries consistent with physical abuse, authorities said.

Detectives executed a search warrant to obtain video footage from the family’s home security system. Footage from June 15 showed Jamaria being attacked by the family’s rottweiler, with Martin leading the attack while holding the dog’s leash, deputies said.

The footage also allegedly showed Martin kicking Jamaria, dragging her nearly lifeless body and continuing to punch and shake her. Martin was allegedly heard saying, “I’m getting ready to kill her,” deputies said.

The Lake County Sheriff’s Office said Martin faces additional charges of aggravated child abuse and child neglect.

Her trial begins on February 3, 2025.

Stephen Sterns

Stephen Sterns is set to go on trial for first-degree murder in the death of his girlfriend’s 13-year-old daughter. Madeline Sotoon September 22, 2025.

Madeline was reported missing in February 2024 by her mother. The teenager’s body was later found just days later in rural Osceola County.

Sterns was initially arrested during the investigation into Madeline’s disappearance on 60 counts of sex crimes, including sexual assault, molestation and possession of child sexual abuse material, after he voluntarily surrendered his phone to law enforcement .

In April 2024, a grand jury later indicted Sterns on one count of first-degree murder in Madeline’s death, but he will first be tried for the sex crimes on February 24, 2025.

The state is seeking the death penalty against Sterns.

Keith Moses

Keith Moses will stand trial on multiple charges, including first-degree murder, after authorities say he went on a shooting spree in Pine Hills in February 2023, killing a 24-year-old man. Spectrum News 13 reporter Dylan LyonsT’yonna Major, 9, and Nathacha Augustin, 38.

The shooting also injured Major’s mother and a Spectrum News 13 photographer.

Prosecutors have indicated their intention to seek the death penalty if Moses is found guilty.

His trial is scheduled for September 29, 2025.

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