Two Ocala cousins won't be charged in shooting death. Prosecutors explain why.
Two cousins won't be prosecuted in the death of a 21-year-old man nearly two weeks ago.
In a memo filed Jan. 12, the state explained why it won't pursue murder cases against Kamrun O'Shea Goffe and Jaden Torell Burton. Assistant State Attorney Amy Berndt wrote: "Based on a thorough review of the evidence, including video evidence, the defendant would have a valid legal claim of self-defense at trial."
Specifically, prosecutors said a doorbell security video showed the victim, Patrick "PJ" Stanley, had what appeared to be a firearm in his hand as he was running away from the shooting scene. Stanley turned around and pointed the object at Burton, who then opened fire, according to the memo.
Prosecutors said Burton did not fire his gun until the victim turned around and pointed the object at Burton.
Law enforcement officials were told about Stanley's gun, which was recovered. Prosecutors said it's unknown if Stanley fired the weapon.
Goffe, 23, who was present at the scene, was charged with first-degree murder, possession of marijuana more than 20 grams and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony. His 20-year-old cousin, Burton, was also charged with first-degree murder.
Both men, who are from Ocala, were represented by Kathryn Hamilton of the Public Defender's Office. Records show the men were released from the county jail the afternoon of Jan. 12. The men had been locked up at the jail since their Jan. 6 arrests.
What led to the shooting?
Ocala police officials said they were called to the 2200 block of Southwest Second Street at 11:19 a.m. on Jan. 6 in reference to shots fired. When officers arrived, they heard screaming not far away. Searching the area, they found Stanley. A woman was applying a tourniquet to his leg.
Stanley was transported to HCA Florida Ocala Hospital, where he died shortly before midnight. Stanley had been shot multiple times, officials said.
Relying on interviews and doorbell videos, detectives were able to identify Burton and Goffe and the vehicles driven by the men. Police recovered marijuana and two sets of shell casings from different firearms. That suggested there had been two shooters, according to a police report.
Burton was taken into custody by officers about 4 p.m. Jan. 6 after a traffic stop. Taken to the Ocala Police Department for an interview, Burton declined to answer questions posed to him by Detective Ryan Park.
Goffe was picked up by officers at an Ocala apartment complex. Inside, officers found a gun and more than 20 grams of marijuana. The drugs were recovered from Goffe's room, and shell casings collected from the scene matched the firearm discovered in the apartment, officials said.
Goffe's interview
Goffe told Park in an interview that his cousin (Burton) came to his residence and asked to go with him to sell marijuana. He said he told his cousin he would go and they would take separate vehicles.
The man said he was FaceTiming his cousin once they got to the scene. Goffe said he heard a commotion coming from Burton's vehicle and his cousin's shirt collar was pulled from behind. He said he drove to the location and saw Burton firing shots. He said he got out and also fired shots at two people running away into nearby woods.
More: Citing lack of evidence, state prosecutors have dropped murder charge against Ocala man
Stanley's funeral arrangements are pending, family members said. The family is not pleased with the state's decision not to prosecute the case.
Contact Austin L. Miller at austin.miller@starbanner.com
This article originally appeared on Ocala Star-Banner: Ocala cousins won't be charged with man's shooting death. Find out why.
