Deputy found gun used in American Legion shooting and testified at trial

GAINESVILLE, Fla. (WCJB) – More witnesses took the stand Thursday in the trial of three young men in connection with a fatal shooting in Gainesville three years ago.

Javari Baptiste, Christian Jones and Harques Mitchell are on trial for the 2021 mass shooting at the American Legion in Gainesville. Five teenagers were shot at a birthday party, and 13-year-old Christopher Scott died in the shooting.

An Alachua County sheriff’s deputy spoke in court Thursday morning. He testified that he found the black Nissan in which one of the defendants fled the party.

When he found the empty car, the deputy said he followed the suspects into the woods behind the Cabana Beach Apartments. There he found a black ski mask with a pistol inside.

Accused hit-and-run driver Jacarean Ford testified Wednesday. He admitted lying to the jury about who he went to the party with.

“Why did you just lie to the jury about who you went to the party with? Remember the shooting at that girl’s party? Tell me about it,” Ford’s prosecutor asked.

“I don’t really remember much,” Ford testified. “I was under the influence of drugs. I remember people running, I was running, and I was so scared. I was high, like I smoked so much that night.”

This developing story will be updated today with additional details about the lawsuit.

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