McDowell Pleads Guilty to Murder of NCSO Deputy Joshua Moyers

State Attorney Melissa Nelson announces that Patrick McDowell pleaded guilty to the court to First-Degree Murder, Injuring a Police Dog, and eight counts of Aggravated Assault on a Police Officer related to the 2021 murder of Nassau County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Joshua Moyers. The State continues to seek the death penalty for McDowell’s crimes. Jury selection for the penalty phase of the trial is scheduled for Sept. 8, 2023, before the Honorable James Daniel.

“McDowell’s guilty plea is a testament to the exceptional work of law enforcement. This a positive step toward justice for Deputy Moyers, his family, and Nassau County. Today’s plea does not alter our course — the State will continue to seek the death penalty for this heinous crime.”

The case was investigated by the Nassau County Sheriff’s Office and is being prosecuted by Assistant State Attorney Mark Caliel and Chief Assistant L.E. Hutton.