Osceola County

3 months after Osceola County mom found dead, her family speaks out: ‘We are terrified’

OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. — On the three-month anniversary of Osceola County mother Nicole Montalvo's death, her family is speaking out online on the controversy involving the investigation into the case.

Montalvo’s brother, Steven Montalvo, made the public Facebook post Tuesday, days after a fight between Osecola County Sheriff Russ Gibson and the State Attorney Aramis Ayala over the handling of the case.

The statement also came on the same day Attorney General Ashley Moody answered questions about her desire to have the case given to another jurisdiction because she said it doesn’t seem like everyone locally can work together.

READ: ‘The truth hurts’: State Attorney says sheriff ignored advice in case of slain Osceola County mom

"Recent events have left us terrified that more attention is now being paid to a ‘public spectacle’ rather than bringing Nicole's killers to justice. We are terrified that those responsible for this vicious and disturbing crime will not be held accountable,” Steven Montalvo wrote.

Montalvo’s brother said his family doesn’t care about politics or press conferences. He said they just care about justice for Nicole.

"We have zero interest (or patience) for politics, reelection campaigns (or lack-there-of), press conferences, public statements, finger pointing or deflection of blame as it relates to the investigation into Nicole’s murder,” he wrote. “Time wasted on these is time that should be solely focused on bringing those responsible for Nicole's murder and subsequent cover-up to justice.”

READ: Florida AG raises concerns over turmoil in slain Osceola County mother case

Moody said her office is awaiting a decision from the governor on whether he will remove the case from the state attorney’s office.

Shannon Butler

Shannon Butler, WFTV.com

Shannon joined the Eyewitness News team in 2013.

Sarah Wilson

Sarah Wilson, WFTV.com

Sarah Wilson joined WFTV Channel 9 in 2018 as a digital producer after working as an award-winning newspaper reporter for nearly a decade in various communities across Central Florida.