ORLANDO – A quiet Thanksgiving weekend ended in horror Friday night when 45-year-old Degwendlyn Floyd was stabbed multiple times inside a home on Rockingham Circle, dying hours later at the hospital.
Orange County Sheriff’s deputies rushed to the 2800 block just before 11 p.m. November 28 after receiving frantic 911 calls reporting a woman screaming for help. They found Degwendlyn in the living room with severe wounds to her torso and arms.
SUPPORT THE FAMILY - GOD BLESS YOU
Paramedics airlifted her to Orlando Regional Medical Center, but she succumbed to her injuries around 1 a.m.
By Saturday morning, the cul-de-sac was lined with crime-scene tape and stunned neighbors hugging in driveways. Degwendlyn, known to everyone as “Gwen,” had lived in the modest single-story home for over a decade with her teenage son and elderly mother.
“She was the sweetest lady on the block,” said next-door neighbor Maria Lopez, fighting back tears. “Always waving hello, bringing over extra Thanksgiving plates, checking on my kids. Who would do this to Gwen?”
Friends say Degwendlyn worked as a patient transporter at AdventHealth for 12 years and was saving up to take her son on his first Disney trip for his upcoming 16th birthday. Her Facebook page is filled with proud mom posts—son’s football games, family cookouts, and her signature smile in every photo.
Detectives spent Saturday canvassing the neighborhood and collecting doorbell-camera footage. While no arrests have been announced and no suspect description released, sources tell WFTV the attack appears domestic in nature. Deputies have interviewed several persons of interest but say the investigation is “very active.”
A makeshift memorial of flowers, candles, and Gwen’s favorite sunflower decorations now covers the front porch where she loved sitting in the evenings.
A GoFundMe verified by family has raised more than $42,000 in 24 hours to help with funeral costs and to support her son and mother.
Anyone with information or video from the area between 10 p.m. and midnight Friday is urged to call Crimeline at 800-423-TIPS.
Orlando police say domestic violence calls spike during the holidays. If you or someone you know needs help, call the Harbor House 24-hour hotline at 407-886-2856.
Rockingham Circle is a little darker tonight.
Rest easy, Gwen. The block already misses your wave. 🕊️🌻 #JusticeForGwen