Charges dropped during American Legion shooting trial, defense rests case

GAINESVILLE, Fla. (WCJB) - Some of the charges were dropped during the trial against the young men accused of committing a mass shooting at the American Legion in 2021. The jury will still decide guilt on the most serious offenses.

Friday morning the defense teams representing Javari Baptiste, Christian Jones, and Jarquez Mitchell rested their cases.

They successfully argued that witness tampering charges against Jones and Mitchell should be dismissed.

The prosecution and defense will present closing arguments Friday before the case is turned over to the jury for deliberations.

The men are accused of shooting five people, killing Christopher Scott, 13. Jones is charged with murder while Baptiste and Mitchell face attempted murder charges.

During the trial, prosecutors showed jurors videos from the birthday party at the American Legion as the shooting unfolded. Partygoers testified about their experiences and responding officers recounted their actions on that day.