JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — A Jacksonville man was given probation last Tuesday, March 4, for manslaughter in the shooting death of a 16-year-old girl, according to court records.

On March 4, 28-year-old Damon Wilson changed his plea of not guilty to guilty for shooting Layla Johnson in the head inside of a home in Jacksonville’s New Town area on Feb. 23, 2024.

Records show Wilson received credit for 365 days served in jail and was sentenced to five years of probation after pleading guilty. Conditions of his probation are that he must participate in gun safety events/classes, undergo a mental health evaluation and follow-up treatment, and pay $4,000 in restitution to Layla’s mother.

At 11:22 a.m. on the day of Layla’s death, patrol officers with the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office (JSO) responded to the home in New Town in reference to Layla being shot, according to Wilson’s arrest report.

The report states Layla was found dead inside of the home when officers arrived.

“According to witness statements, the suspect (Damon Wilson) came to the residence with an AR-15 style [rifle],” the report states. “While inside the residence, the suspect was showing the rifle to the witnesses and speaking about a malfunction with the weapon. Specifically, the suspect stated that the magazine would not stay seated in the weapon.”

JSO said Wilson was “manipulating” the gun, as it fired and a bullet struck Layla in the head. He then left the home with the gun, according to the report.

JSO detectives later obtained a warrant to search Wilson’s home. During the search, an AR-15 style rifle was found on a table inside of his home.

Wilson was then arrested.