Orlando, FL – Authorities in Orange County say a carefully planned ambush at an apartment complex escalated into a violent armed robbery, leading to the arrests of two suspects who allegedly lured a victim using fake social media messages.
Couple Accused of Orchestrating Violent Setup
According to the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, Nicholas Lavallee, 20, and Anne Aksell, 29, were arrested for their alleged roles in the incident, which occurred on Monday, December 29. Arrest affidavits describe the two as a couple who worked together — along with at least two additional accomplices — to target the victim.
Deputies say the plan involved enticing the victim to an apartment complex under false pretenses before attacking him with weapons and stealing his personal property, including his vehicle.
Fake Instagram Messages Used to Lure Victim
Investigators revealed that the victim had initially begun messaging Aksell approximately two weeks before the attack. During those conversations, a man identifying himself as Aksell’s partner reportedly intervened and warned the victim to stop contacting her. The victim complied and ceased communication.
However, on December 29, the victim began receiving new messages from Aksell’s Instagram account, which deputies later determined were false and misleading. The messages allegedly portrayed Aksell as newly single and interested in meeting the victim at her apartment that night.
Authorities believe the messages were part of a deliberate tag-team scheme between Lavallee and Aksell to lure the victim into a vulnerable situation.
Victim Walks Into Armed Ambush
The victim told deputies he arrived at the apartment complex on Emily Loop around 11:30 p.m. Shortly after arriving, he said he saw Aksell descend a staircase dressed in lingerie and followed her as she walked back upstairs.
As they approached the third floor, the victim reported coming face-to-face with a man holding a gun, who ordered him not to move. The victim said he immediately recognized the armed man as Aksell’s partner, later identified as Lavallee.
Fearing for his life, the victim ran back down the stairs — only to encounter two additional men waiting below.
Ax, Knife, and Brutal Beating Described
According to arrest affidavits, one of the men at the bottom of the stairs was armed with an ax, while the other carried a knife. Deputies say the victim was grabbed from behind and placed in a chokehold as the group began to beat him.
During the assault, one suspect allegedly went through the victim’s pockets and stole his wallet, phone, and keys. Despite the injuries, the victim managed to break free and ran while screaming for help as two of the attackers chased him.
After the pursuit slowed, the victim told investigators he turned and asked the men what they intended to do. At that moment, the suspect holding the ax allegedly struck the victim in the head with the blunt end, knocking him to the ground.
Stolen Vehicle Found Abandoned
Authorities later confirmed that the victim’s car was stolen during the incident and eventually found abandoned in the 9000 block of Nelson Park Circle, according to the sheriff’s office.
Investigators said surveillance footage from the apartment complex strongly supported the victim’s account and directly contradicted statements made by Aksell during questioning.
Suspect Admits Setup After Confrontation
Initially, Aksell claimed that Lavallee wanted to attack the victim because the victim had begun “grabbing her.” However, deputies noted that her timeline did not align with video evidence or witness statements.
According to the arrest documents, when confronted with these inconsistencies, Aksell ultimately admitted that she and Lavallee had invited the victim over with the intention of beating him up.
Serious Felony Charges Filed
Both Nicholas Lavallee and Anne Aksell were arrested on Wednesday and now face multiple serious felony charges, including:
- Robbery with a firearm
- Grand theft of a motor vehicle
- Battery
- Aggravated battery with a deadly weapon
As of the latest report, both suspects were being held without bond, underscoring the severity of the allegations and the violent nature of the crime.
Ongoing Investigation
Authorities believe additional suspects were involved and say the investigation remains active. Deputies urge anyone with further information about the incident or the individuals involved to contact law enforcement.
What are your thoughts on this case and the alleged use of social media to lure victims into violent crimes? Should penalties be harsher for planned ambushes involving multiple weapons? Share your opinions in the comments below and join the discussion.
