Staff report

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Jason Travis Ward, 39, who was arrested in July 2022 for his involvement in the murder of D’halani Armstrong, has been sentenced to 30 years in state prison after agreeing to testify truthfully against the other defendants.

On July 19, 2022, the Gainesville Police Department responded to 2017 NE 16th Terrace, where Armstrong had been shot; Ward reportedly held two residents of the house at gunpoint during the home invasion. Ward and co-defendant Alderious White were also shot by a resident of the home, using Ward’s gun. Tiara Luckie, the getaway driver, was sentenced to 15 years of probation and mental health treatment last December. White remains in the Alachua County Jail, awaiting trial.

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Ward was originally charged with first-degree murder, five counts of home invasion robbery, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. He entered a plea of nolo contendere to second-degree murder with a firearm (a lesser included offense), armed burglary, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon in exchange for three concurrent sentences of 30 years, 30 years, and 15 years, respectively. The second-degree murder charge carries a maximum sentence of life in prison.

Judge William Davis presided over the sentencing hearing on October 12. Assistant State Attorney Chris Elsey prosecuted the case.