Duval County Jury Finds Thayer Guilty of Attempted Manslaughter

State Attorney Melissa Nelson announces that a Duval County jury found Raymond Thayer II guilty of Attempted Manslaughter and Shooting or Throwing Deadly Missiles. With the verdict, Thayer faces up to 15 years in Florida State Prison. The Honorable London Kite will sentence Thayer at a later date.

On Aug. 30, 2022, officers responded to a shooting on Pebble Point Drive. Officers spoke with witnesses who described an ongoing feud between Thayer and the family of his daughter’s boyfriend; the victim is the boyfriend’s uncle. Witnesses said there was an argument, and someone broke a glass bottle in front of the house. The victim got into his car and drove away, and Thayer directed his son to go after him. Thayer then hopped into his car and blocked the only exit of the neighborhood, lying in wait for the victim. As the victim approached and attempted to get around Thayer’s vehicle, Thayer fired shots at the victim’s car. Thayer and his son then chased the victim for several miles, ultimately causing the victim to crash his car at Interstate 95 and Zoo Parkway. Thayer then held the victim at gunpoint until the police arrived.

The case was investigated by the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office and prosecuted by Assistant State Attorneys Corie Posey and Crystal Ganpath-Freed.