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Orlando Family, Activists Call For Suicide Ruling To Be Rescinded

Yolna “Yo-Yo” Lubrin, 31, was found hanging from a tree in a backyard on September 28.

Yolna “Yo-Yo” Lubrin was found hanging from a tree in the backyard of a home on September 28 by Orlando police, but the family isn’t convinced with the ruling.

According to the Orlando Sentinel, the 31-year-old woman’s family is calling on police Chief Eric Smith to further investigate the findings of Lubrin’s death.

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On Wednesday (Oct 4), a press conference was held outside the Orlando Police Department headquarters to bring more attention to the case. Alongside family advocate Miles Mulrain and Pastor Carl Soto — both who have been heavy advocates for a more extensive investigation — Lubrin’s sister, Naomi Lubrin, spoke with reporters.

“Today we are calling out Chief Eric Smith, and we are urging him to have his department immediately rescind this allegation of suicide and thoroughly investigate all aspects of Mrs. Lubrin’s death,” Soto said.

There were quite a few overlooked details in the investigation the family claims, including Lubrin’s car, which was found “severely vandalized with all the doors open,” Soto said. The family is also alleging a sexual assault incident occurred before her death.

A GoFundMe campaign organized by Naomi Lubrin notes that her sister was found dead at a house where she didn’t live. “No search was applied inside the home because the Orlando Police Department stated they did not have probable cause to enter the home,” the campaign page reads.

One day prior to the press conference (Oct. 3), family and supporters voiced their frustrations outside of Orlando City Hall about the questionable suicide of Lubrin.

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An OPD spokesperson referenced witness statements that involved Lubrin’s mental health history, cellular records, physical injuries and the “ligature” marks on her neck “all point to suicide.”

Despite the statements, which were delivered just hours before the Tuesday (Oct. 3) rally, Naomi Lubrin said in a police statement, “I’m not sure where that’s coming from. This information is new to me.”

“My sister was loved and she cared for so many people,” she said. “I want everyone to know that she was a comedian, and she would brighten up the scene, she would brighten up the room that she walks in, and that her life should not be so dark as it is today.”

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