FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: David Chapman
Phone: (904) 255-3004
Cell: (904) 524-6626
ChapmanD@coj.net
Jan. 24, 2019
FOURTH CIRCUIT GRAND JURY INDICTS 5 FOR FIRST-DEGREE MURDER
State Attorney Melissa Nelson announces the return by a Duval County grand jury of indictments charging five defendants with First-Degree Murder. With the indictments, each defendant faces a sentence of mandatory life in prison, unless the State provides notice of its intent to seek the death penalty.
Chad Absher (S.A. Case No. 17CF060258AD) has been indicted for First-Degree Murder in the October 2017 death of Ashlee Rucker. Absher also faces charges of Attempted First-Degree Murder and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon.
Gerard Stewart (S.A. Case No. 18CF035274AD) has been indicted for First-Degree Murder in the June 2018 death of Julie Ann Stewart. Stewart also faces a charge of Tampering With Evidence.
Brandon Smith (S.A. Case No. 17CF016755AD) has been indicted for First-Degree Murder in the March 2017 death of Alayna Williamson. Smith also faces a charge of Aggravated Child Abuse.
Perty Mathis Jr. (S.A. Case No. 17CF063760AD) has been indicted for First-Degree Murder in the February 2017 death of Kyle Simpson. Mathis also faces charges of Armed Burglary and Burglary with Assault or Battery.
Marvin Williams (S.A. Case No. 18CF004662AD) has been indicted for First-Degree Murder in the January 2018 death of Cassandra Valentin.
Download the official release:
SAO4 Release – Grand Jury Indicts 5 for First-Degree Murder