JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — A Jacksonville teenager pleaded not guilty Wednesday to the murders of his father and another teen who police say helped in his father's killing.
Shane Payne Jr., 17, was already incarcerated at the Duval County Jail on unrelated charges when an arrest warrant for the murder charges was served on him in May. His arrest report lists charges of two counts of second-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder.
On Aug. 3, 2022, officers responded to the 6800 block of Sandle Drive in reference to a shooting, according to the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office. When officers arrived, Shane Payne Sr. was located inside his home, police say, as he was suffering from "multiple gunshot wounds" and was pronounced dead on scene.
On Aug. 6, 2022, JSO says officers responded to The Palms at Ortega apartment complex, located at 4800 Ortega Farms Blvd. in reference to a shooting. Upon arrival, police say Timothy Dixon, 16, was found suffering from a gunshot wound and was taken to a local hospital where he died.
Payne's arrest report says Dixon received four calls from Payne within the hour leading up to his death, and that cellphone records show Payne was at the complex at the time of the homicide. Phone records also showed a "large amount of communication" between Payne Jr. and Dixon the day of Payne Sr.'s murder, according to the report.
"Of note, there were two phone calls between the two less than 10 minutes before the murder [Shane Payne Sr.'s] took place, and the first call placed by Dixon after the murder is to Shane Payne Jr.," the report states.
After evidence was reviewed and interviews were completed, JSO said Dixon "was identified as the suspect who was responsible for killing Shane Payne with the assistance of Shane Payne Jr., who helped facilitate the actions of Timothy Dixon."
Furthermore, JSO said Shane Payne Jr. "was then identified as the suspect who was responsible for killing Timothy Dixon three days later."
The report states that Dixon was a former neighbor and very close friend of Payne Jr.
Payne Jr.'s next pre-trial hearing is scheduled for July 24.
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