Paskel Sentenced to 25 Years for Killing K-9 Fang, Other Crimes

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. Paskel previously pleaded guilty to charges of Armed Robbery, two counts of Kidnapping with a Firearm, Killing a Police Dog, Possession of a Firearm by a Juvenile Delinquent, and Aggravated Fleeing.

On Sept. 30, 2018, Paskel carjacked two women at a Lem Turner Road gas station and proceeded to make one of the victims drive while holding her at gunpoint. The car’s technology helped members of the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office track the car. The technology further allowed the car’s engine to be deactivated remotely and, when it was, Paskel fled on foot into a wooded area near Interstate 10. K-9 Fang was in pursuit when Paskel shot and killed him. Paskel was arrested soon after.

“We are glad to bring this case to resolution. After committing a violent carjacking, Paskel shot K-9 Fang — a crime that forever changed K-9 Officer Herrera and impacted our community,” said State Attorney Melissa Nelson. “His senseless killing underscores the dangers law enforcement face every day and it sparked changes in state law. This outcome finally achieves justice to Fang’s memory.”

The case was investigated by Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office and prosecuted by Chief Assistant State Attorney L.E. Hutton.