Duval County Jury Finds Burns Guilty of Murder-for-Hire of his Wife
News by Year: 2020
December 18, 2020
State Attorney Melissa Nelson announces that Melissa Jo Schafer has pleaded guilty to Second-Degree Murder, Kidnapping, Armed Robbery, Armed Burglary with Assault or Battery, and Aggravated Battery with a Deadly Weapon in the 1999 killing of Saad Kawaf.
December 16, 2020
The Department of Justice today recognized State Attorney Melissa Nelson and the Fourth Judicial Circuit State Attorney’s Office with the “Outstanding Local Prosecutor’s Office Award” for their ongoing efforts in Project Safe Neighborhoods.
November 20, 2020
State Attorney Melissa Nelson announces that Martin Bryan Silvera-Albor, of Jacksonville, pleaded guilty to Battery of a Law Enforcement Officer and Criminal Mischief and has been sentenced by the Honorable Meredith Charbula to 21 months in Florida State Prison followed by one year of Community Control.
November 20, 2020
State Attorney Melissa Nelson announces that Rasheed Ali Karreem, of Jacksonville, was sentenced by the Honorable Adrian Soud to three consecutive life sentences in Florida State Prison for the 2018 killing of Jamie Roque.
November 5, 2020
The State Attorney’s Office is proud to present its 2019 Annual Report to the public.
October 28, 2020
State Attorney Melissa Nelson announces Jhamal Paskel, of Jacksonville, was sentenced by the Honorable Gilbert Feltel to 25 years in Florida State Prison followed by 10 years of probation for 2018 crimes that included the killing of police K-9 Fang of the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office.
October 22, 2020
State Attorney Melissa Nelson announced the return by a grand jury today of indictments charging one defendant with First-Degree Murder.
October 15, 2020
State Attorney Melissa Nelson announced the return by a grand jury today of indictments charging three defendants with First-Degree Murder.
October 15, 2020
State Attorney Melissa Nelson announces Sean Phoenix, of Jacksonville, entered a guilty plea to the charge of Second-Degree Murder in the February 2018 death of Celine Walker. Pursuant to the plea agreement, the Honorable Meredith Charbula sentenced Phoenix to 35 years in Florida State Prison.
September 25, 2020
Following the will of state leaders in the 2020 legislative session, State Attorney Melissa Nelson initiated the first meeting of the Elder Abuse Fatality Review Team for Clay, Duval, and Nassau counties.