Crump-Piedra to Serve 7 Years in Prison for Shooting Death of Child

State Attorney Melissa Nelson announces that Donna Crump-Piedra, of Jacksonville, pleaded guilty to Aggravated Child Neglect and Culpable Negligence (Firearm/Children). Pursuant to the plea agreement, the Honorable Lester Bass sentenced Crump-Piedra to 7 years in Florida State Prison followed by 3 years of probation.

In the early morning hours of Feb. 9, 2019, Crump-Piedra’s children — ages 2 and 7 years old —began playing with a loaded handgun in a Westside apartment where Crump-Piedra and her boyfriend were sleeping. The 2-year-old victim was shot by the firearm and died from the injury. Crump-Piedra denied knowing there was a firearm in the apartment. Crump-Piedra’s boyfriend stated the gun was stored in a kitchen drawer. A witness told law enforcement Crump-Piedra and her boyfriend were drinking and using illegal drugs before an argument ensued over missing drugs. The witness went on to say Crump-Piedra took the handgun following the argument, left the residence with it and, upon returning to the apartment, placed it on a nearby table. Shortly after, Crump-Piedra’s children took possession of the gun and the shooting occurred. The investigation determined Crump-Piedra’s actions — and inaction — ultimately led to the shooting death of her 2-year-old son. DNA analysis confirmed Crump-Piedra’s and her boyfriend’s DNA was present on the gun.

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