Seth Johnson
Columbia County Sheriff Mark Hunter announced the arrest of Robert Lee Jackson on Friday with first-degree murder charges.
Hunter said the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) and partner agencies continue to investigate other suspects in the murder of Lake City resident Shawn Waldron, 32.
Waldron’s body was found by citizens on April 11 in the Osceola National Forest. Hunter said Waldron’s hands were tied behind his back and his body was burned. Law enforcement had to use dental records to confirm his identity.
Hunter declined to give a cause of death at the Friday press conference as the investigation continues.
Hunter said the murder is one of the worst he’s seen and that the case has connections with drugs and gangs. Both Waldron and Jackson were known to the sheriff’s office for past drug incidents, he said.
“We are aware of the increased violence in our area. Violent crime has increased across the county,” Hunter said.
Jackson, 25, was arrested by the U.S. Marshalls in Jacksonville after an arrest warrant was issued earlier on Friday. Hunter said law enforcement would bring Jackson to Columbia County.