Duval County Jury Finds Way Guilty of Manslaughter by Overdose
Barton Found Guilty of First-Degree Murder in 2018 Westside Shooting
Published on: February 11, 2023
Fourth Judicial Circuit of Florida
www.sao4th.com
Melissa W Nelson
State Attorney
311 West Monroe Street
Jacksonville, Florida 32202-4242
(904) 255-2500
State Attorney Melissa Nelson announces that Cason Barton was found guilty by a jury of First-Degree Murder and Attempted Armed Robbery. With the verdict, Barton faces a mandatory sentence of life in Florida State Prison. The Honorable Kevin Blazs will sentence Barton during a March 24, 2023, hearing.
On Sept. 5, 2018, Barton and his co-defendant went to an apartment complex on Jammes Road to rob the victim during a business transaction. Barton and his co-defendant confronted the victim outside of his apartment and a struggle ensued over a firearm. Barton then shot the victim multiple times and fled the scene. Detectives with the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office arrived on scene and began an investigation that revealed Barton’s DNA inside the getaway vehicle, and social media messages between Barton and the victim immediately prior to the shooting. While Barton was in custody, he also admitted his involvement to other inmates. Additionally, the gun Barton used in the crime was found in his bedroom.
The case was investigated by the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office and was prosecuted by Assistant State Attorneys Khary Gaynor and Jennie Edwards.