Bridges Sentenced to 50 Years for Attempted Murder of Man

State Attorney Melissa Nelson announces that Eric Bridges Jr. pleaded guilty to Attempted Second-Degree Murder with a Weapon and Kidnapping. Pursuant to the plea agreement, the Honorable Elizabeth Senterfitt sentenced Bridges to 50 years in Florida State Prison during a March 9, 2023, hearing.

On Sept. 27, 2019, members of the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office responded to the Brentwood area to find the victim in life-threatening condition. An investigation, which included surveillance and an eyewitness, revealed Bridges tied the victim up behind the vehicle and dragged them for nearly ¼ mile in an incident that began at a nearby apartment complex. The witness said the victim was found on nearby Pearce Street still bound and suffering from severe injuries that still hinder him presently. Bridges was arrested but denied involvement, a story that was contradicted by the evidence.

The case was investigated by the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office and was prosecuted by Assistant State Attorney Trey Atkinson.