Court docs: American Legion shooting victim died

A 13-year-old victim of a June 24 shooting at the American Legion hall in Gainesville died of his injuries three days later, according to court documents.

Doctors at UF Health Shands declared the victim, Christopher Mekhi Scott, brain dead after he sustained a gunshot wound to the head. The teen was also shot in the arm. 

It’s unclear how the Scott’s death will change the charges against the suspects in the case. The Gainesville Police Department (GPD) declined to comment, citing the ongoing investigation and the involvement of the state attorney’s office, which did not respond to requests for comment. 

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Four other teens were shot at the June 24 party but had non life-threatening injuries.

Law enforcement later traced a gun used in the shooting as being stolen from a home in Alachua. Authorities confirmed more than one gun was used but have not said how many.  

On the night of the shooting ASO deputies arrested two suspects in a stolen vehicle after a high speed chase. The driver was identified as Jakarean Ford, 14, and the passenger was Javari Baptiste, 17.

GPD charged Baptiste with attempted murder. The ASO also filed charges on Baptiste for possession of a stolen firearm and resisting without violence. Ford was charged with fleeing and eluding law enforcement, driving without a license, possession of marijuana and for accessory after the fact.

On June 25, GPD officers apprehended Christian T. Jones, 16, and charged him with attempted murder and carrying a concealed firearm. GPD also charged Jarquez Kerreim Mitchell, 17, with aggravated assault and carrying a concealed firearm, according to police reports.

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