Teenage Boy Arrested for Fatal Shooting Outside Dollar General
In a shocking turn of events, a 14-year-old boy has been accused of shooting and killing a 19-year-old man in broad daylight following a botched gun deal outside a Dollar General store in Florida. The suspect, Kydris Jackson, was arrested more than a year after the incident took place.
The victim, Griffin Smith, was found dead in his Dodge Ram pickup truck on December 2, 2023, shortly after purchasing a firearm from Jackson. The deal between the two individuals turned sour when Jackson allegedly tried to extort more money from Smith after they had agreed on a $350 payment.
According to court documents, Jackson fired multiple shots at Smith as he tried to drive away from the scene. Police discovered 14 rifle shells near the area where the shooting occurred. Smith was found wounded inside his truck and was rushed to a local hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.
Following the shooting, the gun purchased from Jackson was seized from the victim’s vehicle. Jackson fled the scene but was later apprehended in Alachua County after being found driving a stolen vehicle, leading to a brief police chase.
During a year-long investigation, authorities conducted witness interviews, DNA analysis, and reviewed records to link Jackson to the fatal shooting. He was already in custody for a separate incident when he was arrested and charged in connection with Smith’s death.
Jackson is currently being held at the Marion County Regional Juvenile Detention Center.
