Deputy finds gun used in American Legion shooting, testifies during trial

GAINESVILLE, Fla. (WCJB) - More witnesses are taking the stand Thursday in the trial of three young men for a deadly shooting in Gainesville three years ago.

Javari Baptiste, Christian Jones, and Jarquez Mitchell are on trial for the 2021 mass shooting at the American Legion in Gainesville. Five teens were shot at a birthday party, Christopher Scott, 13, died in the gunfire.

An Alachua County Sheriff's Office deputy took the stand on Thursday morning. He testified about finding the black Nissan that one of the defendants fled the party in.

The deputy says when he found an empty car, he followed the suspects into the woods behind Cabana Beach apartments. There, he found a black ski mask with a gun inside.

The accused getaway driver, Jakarean Ford, testified on Wednesday. He admitted he lied to the jury about who he went to the party with.

"Why did you just lie to this jury about who you went to the party with? Do you remember a shooting at that girl's party? Tell me about that," the prosecutor asked Ford.

"I don't really remember too much," Ford testified. "I was high on drugs. I remember people running, I'm running and just me being so scared. I was just high like I had smoked so much that night."

This developing story will be updated with additional details about the trial today.