FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: David Chapman
Phone: (904) 255-3004
Cell: (904) 524-6626
ChapmanD@coj.net
September 7, 2023
JURY FINDS GADSON GUILTY OF ATTEMPTED MANSLAUGHTER FOR 2022 SHOOTING
State Attorney Melissa Nelson announces that a Duval County jury has found Alijah Gadson guilty of Attempted Manslaughter and Shooting Deadly Missiles. With the verdict, Gadson faces up to 30 years in Florida State Prison. The Honorable Judge London Kite will sentence Gadson at a later date.
On September 30, 2022, Gadson got into an altercation outside of a hotel on Lenoir Avenue. Gadson asked to borrow a lighter from the victim so he could light his cigarette. The victim gave him one. Gadson’s cigarette went out, and he once again asked the victim for his lighter. The victim instead offered to light Gadson’s cigarette. Gadson became angry and showed the victim his firearm in his waistband. The victim ran to his hotel room and told his friend. Victim and his friend went downstairs and threw a beer bottle at Gadson’s head and ran. The victim couldn’t find his room key, so he and his friend went down to the lobby to get a new one and report what happened. Gadson’s girlfriend walked into the lobby and began yelling at the victim and his friend for throwing the beer bottles at her boyfriend. Gadson then came into the lobby and began chasing and shooting at the victim, even when he was on the ground. Gadson discharged his firearm at least 17 times, striking the victim 10 times and the hotel walls and ceiling.
The case was investigated by Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office and was prosecuted by Assistant State Attorneys Donna Thurson and Katherina Brown.