Lawrence Carter

Photograph of Lawrence and his fiancee, Christine Deleo, obtained from Orlando Sentinel. 

On August 31st, Lawrence Carter, a beloved friend, son, and Army veteran, passed away at the age of 76 in Seminole County, Florida. He leaves behind his fiancee, Christine Deleo, and many friends and family members who will miss him dearly. 

Photograph of Lawrence and his fiancee, obtained from Orlando Sentinel.

His fiancee Christine spoke of Lawrence's kind-heartedness, saying, “Anyone who came in his path was a changed person in a positive way... He cared about me when I didn’t care about myself.”

Lawrence was the first person at Seminole County Jail to pass away from COVID-19. Arrested for a suspected parole violation long before court appearances were stalled during the pandemic, he had been in jail nearly nine months when he began feeling ill. Christine was not notified of his death by the jail, and she found out that her fiancee had died when she went to the bank to pick up some paperwork. She also was not notified when Lawrence tested positive for the coronavirus, nor when he was transferred to hospital. His death was entirely preventable — had he been granted more leniency due to his health concerns, including a physical disability and diabetes, he might still be with us today. Lawrence led a great life filled with joy and love. May he rest in peace. 

This memorial was written by MOL team member Claire Lee with information from reporting by Grace Toohey of Orlando Sentinel.