Juries do not come to verdict in double-jury murder trial
Share and Follow


After deliberating for hours, juries in the double-jury murder trial for Marcel Johnson and Kentrevious Garard ended the night without reaching a verdict.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Deliberations stretched late into Wednesday night in the murder trial of two Jacksonville men accused in the fatal shooting of 13-year-old Prince Holland and the wounding of four others, as two separate juries struggled to reach a verdict after hours.

Each defendant, Kentrevious Garard and Marcel Johnson, is being judged by a different jury. Neither panel had reached a decision.

Jurors began weighing evidence after closing arguments earlier in the day, following the recounting of events in December 2022, when prosecutors say 22 shots were fired into a car at the intersection of Moncrief and New Kings Road. Inside the vehicle were Holland, three other teens, and their adult coach.

The state contends Garard pulled the trigger while Johnson acted as the getaway driver. Prosecutors, addressing each jury separately, argued Garard “knows that he is guilty of this crime, just as the evidence proves beyond a reasonable doubt that he is guilty of the highest charges of each count.”

They were similarly adamant Johnson played a key role, saying, “He was driver of vehicle, connected to killing a 13-year-old; that’s why he didn’t go to final step admitting he was the shooter.”

Defense attorneys for Garard insisted none of the hard evidence directly links him to the crime and questioned any motive, arguing a lack of motive should mean acquittal.

“Lack of motive equals a reasonable doubt. And remember, with just one, the law commands a verdict of not guilty,” Garard’s attorney told jurors.

Both juries ended their deliberations for the evening. Garard’s jury left the courthouse about 10:30 p.m., and Johnson’s around 8:30 p.m.

The judge has ordered jurors to resume deliberations at 9 a.m. Thursday, hoping for verdicts in both cases but there is no timetable for how long the decision will take.

First Coast News will continue to provide updates live outside the Duval County Courthouse as the trial unfolds.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Shorter school weeks? Study finds 4-day weeks may not help all students

Texas Dad Files Lawsuit Against School District Over Daughter Serenity Baker’s Passing

() The father of Serenity Baker, a Texas middle schooler fatally stabbed…
Timeline is key in Palisade Fire suspect's defense: O.J.'s former lawyer

O.J. Simpson’s Ex-Lawyer Says Timing is Crucial in Defense of Palisade Fire Suspect

() An attorney who represented O.J. Simpson says the timeline of events…
Trump peace deal triggers 72-hour countdown for Hamas to release 48 hostages from Gaza

Trump peace deal triggers 72-hour countdown for Hamas to release 48 hostages from Gaza

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! The countdown to return…
Pro-Palestinian agitators attack police as riot erupts in Dem-run city, officials say

Pro-Palestinian agitators attack police as riot erupts in Dem-run city, officials say

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! Between 200 and 300…
Suzanne Simpson case: Judge lets indictment against husband stand

Police Report: Suzanne Simpson’s Sister Accused of Harassing Murder Suspect’s Family

() The sister of Suzanne Simpson the Texas wife and mother of…
Noem likens Antifa to ISIS, other terror groups that want to ‘kill’ Americans

Noem likens Antifa to ISIS, other terror groups that want to ‘kill’ Americans

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! Homeland Security Secretary Kristi…
93-year-old Illinois man charged after he allegedly cut wife's throat

Texas Woman, Sarah Hartsfield, Found Guilty of Murdering Her Fifth Husband: Reports

() A Texas woman has been convicted of the murder of her…
Rome’s Colosseum opens secret tunnel to visitors

Explore the Newly Opened Hidden Tunnel at Rome’s Colosseum

IE 11 is not supported. For an optimal experience visit our site…