Nicholas Lavallee and Anne Aksell face serious charges stemming from an alleged robbery ambush at an Orlando apartment complex on December 29, 2025. The victim, lured via Instagram messages from Aksell, was attacked by the couple and two accomplices using weapons including an axe and knife, resulting in his escape after sustaining injuries. Both suspects remain jailed without bond as of early January 2026.
Incident Overview
The attack unfolded around 11:30 p.m. on Emily Loop when the victim arrived expecting a meeting with Aksell, who appeared in lingerie to entice him upstairs. Lavallee confronted him with a gun, while two others waited below—one with an axe, the other a knife—leading to a beating, chokehold, and theft of his phone, wallet, keys, and Jeep. Surveillance footage corroborated the victim’s account of the chase and assault, including Aksell’s role in luring him.
Victim’s Escape
During the pursuit, the victim confronted his attackers, was struck in the head with the axe’s blunt end, stabbed in the upper back, and developed a head contusion. He scaled a fence to reach a woman walking her dog, who called 911, securing his safety despite fearing for his life.
Suspect Statements
Aksell initially denied involvement but admitted acting as a decoy after timeline inconsistencies were noted. Lavallee confessed to orchestrating the fight due to perceived disrespect toward his “wife,” recruiting “Eli” and “J3” as backup while insisting Aksell had no direct role in the violence.
Charges and Status
Each faces charges of robbery with a firearm, grand theft of a motor vehicle, first-degree battery, and aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, per Orange County records. They were held without bond and scheduled for a January 5, 2026, court appearance.
