The minimum mandatory sentence for the Attempted First Degree Murder with a Firearm is 25 years in prison and for the Armed Kidnapping is 10 years in prison.

The State is seeking enhancement of the penalty under Three-Time Violent Felony Offender, which would make the sentence a mandatory life sentence.

Sentencing is to be scheduled at a future date.

The defendant, the male victim, and the female victim were employees at the Tropicana plant. The defendant was upset all day and confronted the female victim at Tropicana during her break. Shortly after, the defendant appeared in the department where both victims worked. He was not supposed to be in that department at that time. While approaching the victims, the defendant removed a firearm from his waistband and started arguing with the victims.

Within 10 seconds of approaching them, the defendant shot the male victim in the torso. Once the male victim was shot, the female victim tried to run away but tripped and fell. The defendant chased after her and pointed the gun at her head. He then directed her to get up and walk while pointing the gun at her. He forced her to walk out of the building, off of the property, and across the parking lot where he pushed her into his car. The defendant kept the female victim isolated from the public for two days before he dropped her off in a random neighborhood in Tampa.

The lead prosecutor in the case, Assistant State Attorney Charlie Lawrence commented, “The defendant’s reprehensible actions back on June 5, 2023 irrevocably affected both of the victims’ lives. We hope this verdict provides them a sense of justice. We appreciate the jury’s attention throughout the trial and are thankful that they held him accountable for these senseless and violent crimes.”

If you have any questions or would like further information, please contact Assistant State Attorney Charlie Lawrence in the Sarasota County office at 941-861-4400.