JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The man prosecutors say pulled the trigger in a fatal downtown Jacksonville shooting near a dumpster in 2023 was sentenced to 40 years in prison Tuesday.
Ryan Nichols, 20, is charged with murder of Gary Jackson, 39, while Daniel DeGuardia, 19, and Holden Dodson, 22, are charged with accessory after the fact.
Judge Anthony Salem said the murder showed a lack of respect for human life. His sentence carries a 10-year minimum mandatory sentence with 412 days of time served.
"My heart breaks for Mr. Jackson's family. I hope today, in some small way, brings some sort of closure," Salem said.
DeGuardia's and Dodson's sentencings will take place June 28. Both testified Tuesday.
Jackson, a Black man, was found dead beside a dumpster in the 500 block of Ashley Street, according to the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office. The witness who found him was able to flag down a JSO bailiff who was passing and officers arrived at the scene. Nichols, Dodson and DeGuardia, all of whom are white, were arrested in St. Johns County on May 3.
The police report said victim was seen running with Nichols chasing him. A Jeep was seen driving on adjacent streets, the report stated, "presumably searching for the victim."
The Jeep was later seen driving south on Clay Street and when the victim was seen running north, Nichols jumped out of the car and chased him on foot, his arrest report said. The report said Jackson was trying to hide.
While Dodson called 911 to report a stolen gun, but not the murder, prosecutors said. Nichols later claimed self defense and Jackson was armed.
The Jacksonville Sheriff's Office said last year there was no evidence to suggest this is a hate crime.
