‘It’s terrifying’: Neighbors in community where Orlando attorney was killed demand action

ORLANDO, Fla. — Residents in Delaney Park are demanding action days after police say one of their neighbors was killed in a seemingly random attack in their home.

Police said William Franklin, 33, entered Erin Hartigan’s home on Jasmine Avenue after being reported missing from Orlando Regional Medical Center less than a half mile away.

The 44-year-old Orange County attorney was found dead with several stab wounds, police said.

READ: Man accused of killing Orlando attorney ‘obviously experiencing effects’ of drugs before going missing from hospital, police say

Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings remembers Erin Hartigan, slain assistant county attorney Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings remembers Erin Hartigan, a slain assistant county attorney, during a news conference.

Nearby neighbor Angela Horton said two weeks before the slaying a different man escaped ORMC and entered her home through an unlocked door.

“It’s terrifying,” Horton said.

One neighbor wrote a letter to Commissioner Patty Sheehan demanding action to help prevent similar crimes in the area.

READ: Man found hiding in backyard arrested after Orange County attorney found dead inside home, police say

“I know I’m not speaking for myself when I say that we firmly believe an increased OPD presence would be welcomed in our area,” they wrote. “Please use any influence you have to see that it happens.”

The response from Sheehan read:

“I am very concerned about what happened. I knew Erin. Buying a home in Lake Copeland was her dream. She did not deserve what happened to her.”

Video: Man accused of killing Orlando attorney ‘obviously experiencing effects’ of drugs before going missing from hospital, police say The man accused of killing an Orange County attorney inside her Orlando home was reported missing from a nearby hospital hours before his arrest, Orlando police

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