Lee Sentenced to 20 Years for Attempted Murder After Workplace Dispute

State Attorney Melissa Nelson announces that Eric Alexander Lee pleaded guilty to Attempted Second-Degree Murder, and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. Per the plea agreement, the Honorable Meredith Charbula sentenced Lee to 20 years in Florida State Prison during a Dec. 8, 2022, hearing.

On Oct. 17, 2020, Lee and the victim were working together for an asphalt company. While on the jobsite, Lee became upset with the victim when he was asked to move from an area where work was being completed. In response, Lee went to his personal belongings on the jobsite and grabbed a handgun. He then approached the victim and pointed the gun at his chest. The victim fought back and wrestled over the handgun, causing it to discharge and hit the victim in the forearm. Lee then chased the victim with the gun and threatened to go to the victim’s house if police were called. When law enforcement arrived, Lee denied shooting the victim, then claimed it was in self-defense. Lee was a previously convicted felon who had recently been released from prison — his status as a felon made it illegal for him to possess a firearm.

The case was investigated by the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office and prosecuted by Assistant State Attorneys Marcus Isom and Brittany Johnson.