Jacksonville Man Sentenced to 50 Years For Brutal Attack of Cellphone Store Employee

State Attorney Melissa Nelson announces that the Honorable Steven B. Whittington sentenced Emery Deshon Handy, Jr., 19, of Jacksonville to 50 years in Florida State Prison for Attempted First-Degree Murder with a Deadly Weapon, Armed Robbery, and Burglary with Assault or Battery.

Handy entered a guilty plea on May 7, 2018.

In March 2017, Hardy entered an open alley door to a cellphone store on the Westside. The victim, a store employee, sat behind the counter and was unaware Handy had entered the business. Handy watched the victim off and on for about six minutes before attacking him with a knife. The entire incident was caught on surveillance video and the attack left the victim blind in his left eye. Handy fled with about $800 from the business’ register and the victim was able to call 911.

The case was investigated by Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office and prosecuted by Assistant State Attorney Cameron French.