Retired GPD Lieutenant Calls for Police Chief to be Placed on Admin Leave Over Handling of TB McPherson Shooting Investigation
Thursday evening, former Gainesville Police Department (GPD) Lieutenant and retired chief investigator of the Public Defender’s Office, Alena Lawson Bennett, sent an email to the Gainesville City Commission calling for GPD Chief Nelson Moya to be placed on administrative leave for his handling of the TB McPherson shooting investigation.
On April 20, Easter Sunday, as a crowd of people were leaving an event at TB McPherson Park, an individual opened fire, taking the life of Ontaria Baisden and injuring two others.
City Manager Cynthia Curry, commissioners and Moya had a long discussion about the shooting at the following general policy meeting.
Curry said the permit for the event was approved by GPD and that she wasn't kept in the information loop.
Curry went on to say, in no uncertain terms, that she would’ve denied the permit and believes that the shooting wouldn’t have happened if she had been given the opportunity. “I will be dealing with some disciplinary issues as they relate to this event," Curry said.
As of now, the shooter is still at large, and Moya has asked for help with the case on the GPD Facebook account multiple times.
GPD Chief Nelson Moya asks for help solving the TB McPherson Park shooting (GPD)
According to Bennett's email, following the meeting, Moya filed a formal complaint against Captains Summer Hallett and Victoria Young.
Bennett's email states Hallett, who supervised the permit approval, “received 40 hours without pay and was already on probation. Capt. Young, who did not approve the permit, now faces termination.” Bennett argued that Young faces a disproportionate amount of discipline compared to Hallett. She also said Young faces an impartial review process because “Manager Curry, who has publicly backed Chief Moya, stands as the second-level authority.”
Bennett said Sgt. Leah Hayes leading the investigation creates a “clear conflict of interest” because she reports directly to Moya.
Bennett's email states, “Chief Moya did not attend the scene to assess the situation or support officers on duty. His absence undermined operational oversight and morale.”
Bennett said Moya should be placed on administrative leave because of "his failure to provide command presence and his role as complainant." Bennett said public officials should seek an independent review of the investigation, outside the GPD chain of command.
Gainesville City Commissioner Ed Book forwarded Bennett's email to Curry, stating, “Handle as you see fit.”
GnvInfo reached out to Bennett for comment, and she said, “I spoke to one commissioner in person but haven’t received any acknowledgment or response from the mayor nor any of the other commissioners.”
Moya, Young and Hallett haven't returned requests for comment.
The City Manager’s Office told GnvInfo they have no comment because the incident is still under investigation.
Bennett's full email is available below.
