Duval County Jury Finds Holdiness Guilty of Second-Degree Murder

State Attorney Melissa Nelson announces that a Duval County jury found Michael Holdiness guilty of Second-Degree Murder. With the verdict, Holdiness faces up to life in Florida State Prison. The Honorable Mark Borello will sentence Holdiness at a later date.

On Nov. 12, 2020, officers with the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office responded to a shooting on the Westside. A witness observed Holdiness and the victim arguing after the victim stole Holdiness’ cigarettes. Holdiness walked into his home and returned with a rifle. As the victim walked away, Holdiness shot him. Holdiness then walked back inside his home and attempted to hide the rifle in his roommate’s closet. As a result of the shooting, the victim developed significant complications; finally, on Dec. 27, 2021 — more than a year after the shooting — the victim died. The Medical Examiner’s Officer ruled the victim’s death a homicide as a result of the gunshot wound from Holdiness.

The case was investigated by the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office and prosecuted by Assistant State Attorneys Trey Atkinson and Chris Huband.