After running errands on a Sunday, Kathy Moyles came home to her Citrus County home to find the door had been kicked in. She never realized how close she might have been to losing her life until a few weeks later.
“I just thought they were burglars,” Moyles said. “I didn't realize they were armed and dangerous.”
Moyles’ home is one of 12 that have been targeted in the county since mid-January.
Don Plumeri, 71, a music composer, was found dead Friday in his Dunnellon home, deputies said. The scene had similarities to the dozen other burglaries.
Moyles said she could have missed the burglars by a few minutes or a few hours, but following the murder of Plumeri, she’s grateful she didn’t come home during her burglary.
“People are scared now because they are scared for their lives, not just their possessions,” Moyles said. “I feel terrible especially for the community cause there are children and old people, young people, anybody could be a victim. I feel very fortunate. I've never known how much my luck would hold out…but it did that day.”
Plumeri's work was featured in more than 50 Hollywood films. He is a gold and platinum recording artist and most recently released a DVD of his work with the Moscow Philharmonic in 2012.
If you have any information regarding these incidents, you can remain anonymous and be eligible for up to a $3,000 reward by calling Crime Stoppers of Citrus County at 888-ANY-TIPS.
The Sheriff is urging residents to follow some of these home safety tips:
• Make it appear as though someone is home in the daytime and nighttime hours.
• Park a car in the driveway, not in the garage--but make sure both are locked.
• Leave a radio or TV on inside.
• Leave on interior fans or lamps, i.e., leave on a bathroom light.
• Make sure newspapers and mail are collected daily.
• Make sure all windows and doors are locked.
• Leave outside lights on at night.
• Don't open the door to anyone you don't recognize.
• Don't open the door to any door-to-door sales people or otherwise without calling the Sheriff's Office.
• Call 911 if anyone knocks on your door and asks for someone who lives there who DOESN'T live there.
• Report any suspicious activity immediately by calling 911.
