Mitchell Found Guilty of Attempted First-, Second-Degree Murder

State Attorney Melissa Nelson announces that Ernest Mitchell was found guilty by a jury of Attempted First Degree Murder, Attempted Second-Degree Murder, Attempted Domestic Second-Degree Murder, and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. The Honorable Adrian Soud sentenced Mitchell to a life sentence in Florida State Prison during an August 19, 2022, hearing.

On Feb. 5, 2020, Mitchell and a female victim had an argument over their relationship, which resulted in Mitchell taking her cellphone and leaving. The victim then went to her friend’s house; Mitchell later agreed to deliver the phone back to the victim at that residence. When Mitchell arrived, however, he fired a handgun at both victims from the roadway in front of the home. After a few hours, the female victim decided to return to her home. When she arrived, Mitchell ambushed and shot her several times. Shell casings from both scenes confirmed the shootings were linked. Mitchell was arrested and, as a convicted felon, was legally prohibited from possessing a firearm.

The case was investigated by the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office and prosecuted by Assistant State Attorneys Jackie Blair and Marleigh Gulliford.