In the News

State Attorney Melissa Nelson announces that Shanna Gardner was indicted by a Duval County grand jury and arrested on charges of First-Degree Murder, Conspiracy to Commit First-Degree Murder, Solicitation to Commit a Capital Felony, and Child Abuse. All the charges are related to the February 2022 murder of Gardner’s ex-husband, Jared Bridegan.

State Attorney Melissa Nelson announces that a Duval County jury found John Graham Jr. guilty of First-Degree Murder, Armed Robbery, and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon.

Our 2022 Annual Report is complete and available for your review.

State Attorney Melissa Nelson announces that Terrell Lewis pleaded guilty to Three Counts of Second-Degree Murder, Burglary to a Structure/Conveyance with Assault/Battery, and Child Abuse, all related to an April 2022 triple murder.

State Attorney Melissa Nelson announces that a Clay County jury found Jesmeil Scott guilty of Sexual Battery.

State Attorney Melissa Nelson announces that a Clay County jury found Jeanetta Merrwether guilty of Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon.

State Attorney Melissa Nelson announces that the Honorable Lindsay Tygart sentenced Austin Walker to two concurrent life sentences in Florida State Prison without the possibility of parole for Attempted First-Degree Murder, Armed Burglary with Assault or Battery, and Aggravated Assault.

State Attorney Melissa Nelson announces that Cordell Bentley-Russell pleaded guilty to Manslaughter and was sentenced by the Honorable Anthony Salem to 28 years in prison.

State Attorney Melissa Nelson announces that a Duval County jury found Jimmie Ponder guilty of one count of Written Threats to Kill or Do Bodily Injury.

State Attorney Melissa Nelson announces that a Duval County jury found Trumaine Joiner and Francisco Mercado guilty of Armed Robbery, Armed Burglary with Assault or Battery, three counts of Kidnapping with a Firearm, and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon.