GILCHRIST COUNTY, Fla. — Four people were shot with one person killed after two separate shootings at Ginnie Springs over Memorial Day weekend, the Gilchrist County Sheriff's Office announced on Tuesday.
Investigators arrested 18-year-old Fisher Watts from St. Mary's, Georgia on first-degree murder charges in the shooting death of Koty Stewart, 34, of Jacksonville, which occurred early Saturday morning, according to the sheriff's office. The suspect's brother, Dallas Watts, was also arrested and charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
Around 12:39 a.m. Saturday, law enforcement responded to Ginnie Springs near the Beaver Landing in reference to a person shot. First responders located a man, identified as Stewart, on the ground suffering from gunshot wounds.
Police said lifesaving efforts were made, but Stewart was pronounced dead at the scene.
The investigation revealed the shooting stemmed from a dispute over a parking place at a campsite, according to police.
Police said two opposing parties were involved in two physical altercations just hours before the shooting. Witnesses told police they believed the dispute was resolved before the shooting occurred.
Fisher Watts fled the scene, according to police, and was arrested Sunday afternoon in Georgia and remains in the custody of the Camden County Sheriff's Office. He's awaiting extradition to Gilchrist County.
His brother, Dallas Watts, was arrested at Ginnie Springs on charges of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and resisting arrest without violence.
Law enforcement stressed the investigation into the incident remains ongoing.
Gilchrist County Sheriff Bobby Schultz said Ginnie Springs had more than 20,000 people at the campsite at the time law enforcement responded.
"It was more like a rave party than it was a campground," said Schultz.
Less than 12 hours after the first deadly shooting, law enforcement responded to another shooting at Ginnie Springs.
Florida Department of Law Enforcement agents responded around 11:30 p.m. Saturday after a large fight broke out and a suspect shot into the crowd, striking three bystanders not involved in the dispute.
Two people were treated and released with minor injuries, but a third victim remains in the hospital with serious injuries.
FDLE is leading the investigation into the second shooting, according to Schultz.
"We have developed suspects in this case, and we're continuing to work our investigation, our investigation is still ongoing," said Will Porter, the resident agent in charge of the FDLE Gainesville field office.
No additional details about the suspects in this case were immediately provided, though no one has been arrested.
Multiple agencies responded to assist in both shooting investigations, including the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Florida Highway Patrol, the 8th Judicial Circuit State Attorney's Office, among others.
Devon Dulaney got to Ginnie Springs Saturday and was excited to spend the next two days at one of his favorite places. He said he was terrified watching police cars and a helicopter arrive that night.
"It was extremely concerning. We couldn't go to sleep that night. Everybody felt in danger," Dulaney said.
The Gilchrist County Undersheriff Robert Willis noted the agency has seen an escalation of issues at Ginnie Springs over the last few years with large crowds and heavy alcohol use.
"The density of that location and the excess of intoxicants at that location is a recipe for disaster," Willis said.
Dulaney said he saw the crowds firsthand and even witnessed several fights throughout the day. He is disappointed Ginnie Springs has not released a statement following the violent weekend. He hopes the owners will make changes to ensure nothing like this happens again.
"In a place where we all need to find our reprieve from day-to-day life, it's a disappointment. And I really hope that these things are handled, so we feel safe to go back," Dulaney said.
There were also questions as to why the site was not shut down the night of the first shooting. The sheriff's office said they suggested it be shut down to park owners.
A "soft closure" was enacted at Ginnie Springs Saturday after the deadly shooting and people still had access to the site until there was a "hard closure" on Sunday, following the second shooting, the sheriff's office confirmed.
First Coast News reached back out to Ginnie Springs for comment on Tuesday and they said they would not comment and would let the sheriff's office handle additional information.
The sheriff's office said it will work with the county commission and the owners of Ginnie Springs to determine how to prevent future violence from happening at the site.
The Gilchrist County Sheriff's Office and Florida Department of Law Enforcement are asking any individuals who were at Ginnie Springs at the time of the shootings or may have additional information to contact them.
To contact FDLE, call (386)462-9975. To contact the sheriff's office call (352) 463-3410.