Three White Men Who Chased And Fatally Shot A Black Man In Florida Avoid Hate Crime Charges
Three white men who pursued and fatally shot an African American man in Florida will avoid hate crime charges.
Ryan Nichols, Daniel DeGuardia, and Holden Doldson, are set to be sentenced this month after pleading guilty to the murder of Gary Jackson, a Black man in Jacksonville, Florida.
They were arrested and charged after Jackson's body was discovered behind a dumpster on May 2, 2023.
Police reports indicate that the trio were observed pursuing the victim in a vehicle around 2 a.m. in early May. As Jackson sought refuge behind a dumpster, Nichols exited the vehicle and pursued him on foot. Shortly after, Nichols re-entered the car with the other two men, and they departed the scene. Jackson's corpse was discovered later that morning with multiple gunshot wounds.
The suspects were arrested the following day. Nichols, 20, faced charges of second-degree murder, while DeGuardia and Dodson were charged as accessories after the incident.
During Nichols' sentencing last week, both Dodson and DeGuardia provided testimony. Dodson mentioned that all three had been drinking and using cocaine on the night of Jackson's death. Dodson and Nichols were identified as the individuals carrying firearms that evening.
Dodson testified that Nichols initiated the pursuit of Jackson and returned to the vehicle shortly after, accusing Jackson of stealing his firearm. DeGuardia recounted that Nichols directed them where to drive after they all got back into the car.
Last year, 'News4JAX' reported that witnesses alleged the three men had been interacting with Jackson under circumstances suggesting involvement with narcotics before the situation escalated. According to one witness, Jackson fled with their gun after one of the men displayed and brandished it.
DeGuardia stated that after locating Jackson, Nichols took Dodson's firearm, exited the vehicle, and told Jackson "something along the lines of I know where you're hiding. You're about to get shot."
"[Nichols] said, 'I just blew that N-word's head off,' was one the things that were said. And, 'Nobody steals from me.' Almost bragging," Dodson stated.
No hate crime charges were filed in connection with the murder. Jacksonville Sheriff's Office stated during the arrests that there was no indication of bias or prejudice influencing the killing.
Family members of Jackson have urged the judge to give the highest possible prison sentences to all three men.
"Three monsters against one Black man. They chased my uncle down," said Annequineice Johnson, Jackson's niece, in an interview with 'ActionNewsJax.'
"Ryan, Daniel, and Holden damned me the second I woke up thanking God for letting me see another day and praying for my family and friends," expressed Leanne Butler, Jackson's aunt.
Dodson, 22, and DeGuardia, 19, could each receive a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison.
Their sentencing is scheduled for June 28.
