The parents of Dylan Lyons, a local television journalist tragically murdered two years ago, have taken legal action against his former employer, Spectrum News 13. The negligence lawsuit, filed on January 28, 2025, claims Charter Communications, the parent company of Spectrum, failed to take adequate measures to protect their son.
Lyons was shot and killed on February 22, 2023, as he covered the murder of 38-year-old Nathacha Augustin. At the time, he and his cameraman, Jesse Walden, were reporting on the scene of the earlier shooting when they became targets of another attack by the same suspect, Keith Moses. The lawsuit, filed in Orange County, alleges wrongful death due to the media company's lack of protective measures and security.
According to family statements and legal representatives from NeJame Law, the conditions under which Lyons was sent to report were perilous. Despite being aware of the active shooter situation, Spectrum allegedly provided no security personnel or protective equipment to Lyons and Walden. The lawsuit claims, "Dylan was sent to cover the homicide scene with knowledge of the significant danger and without appropriate protective measures."
Further emphasizing the dangers faced by journalists, the legal team pointed to the increasing threats of violence against reporters covering high-crime areas. "Journalists are directed, without options, to put themselves at risk daily," said the law firm. "Although they do so with commitment to reporting the truth, they do not sign up for a death sentence." Such sentiments reflect broader concerns about journalists' safety, especially as local newsrooms grapple with their duty of care toward staff.
Following the shooting, Charter Communications issued a statement labeling the murder of Dylan Lyons as "an unforeseeable and horrible tragedy". They expressed their hope for justice for all victims involved, including Lyons. The company denied the allegations of negligence, asserting they aimed to have the claims dismissed, stating, "Dylan was the victim of senseless violence, and the claims against Spectrum News are unfounded."
The tragic incident has reignited discussions on the need for heightened safety protocols for journalists. Bruce Shapiro, the executive director of the Dart Center for Journalism and Trauma, highlighted the alarming increase of violent attacks against various types of reporters throughout the U.S. "Not only crime reporters but investigative journalists, local political reporters, even television meteorologists have endured unprecedented abuse and attacks," he explained.
Internally, Lyons was described by colleagues as talented and passionate about his role. "Dylan wanted so badly to be a broadcast journalist. He was excited for his future," remarked WKMG reporter Erik Sandoval, who had interacted with Lyons shortly before his death. Lyons, having graduated from the University of Central Florida, was known among peers for his humor and dedication to the community.
On the day of the incident, Lyon was directed by Spectrum to report on the homicide of Augustin, which was not typical for his assignment. Just minutes after he began reporting, the same suspect returned to the scene, shooting both Lyons and his cameraman, Walden. Instances of violence against journalists present both ethical and legal dilemmas for media companies about how they train and protect their staff.
The Orange County Sheriff’s Office noted the tragic sequence of events as the suspect allegedly shot at both the news crew and innocent bystanders. The actions of Keith Moses, who faces multiple murder charges relating to the incidents including the deaths of young T’yonna Major and her mother, led to widespread outrage and calls for change.
Despite the inherent risks of reporting on crime scenes, industry experts continue to argue for comprehensive safety measures to be established across media organizations. Concerns linger over whether legislative action could aid the safety of journalists, advocating for clearer protocols and protective measures. After the lawsuit, conversations surrounding the responsibility of media companies to protect their employees are sure to gain traction as more cases like these emerge.
With the lawsuit still pending, the family of Dylan Lyons hopes their actions will lead to meaningful changes—not just for their son but for all journalists who face dangers daily on the job.