Marion County, FL — A Marion County jury has found 38-year-old Ricky Norwood guilty of second-degree murder in connection with the 2023 killing of 29-year-old DeAndre Simmons, concluding a trial that lasted nearly a week and drew attention from local residents and media.
The jury returned its verdict late Thursday afternoon after deliberating for nearly five hours. Norwood, who had pleaded not guilty to the charge, now faces a potential life sentence. His formal sentencing hearing is scheduled for next month.
Incident Details
The fatal incident took place on May 18, 2023, outside a convenience store in the Silver Springs Shores area of Ocala. According to the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to a reported shooting near the intersection of Pine Road and Silver Road just after 7:30 p.m. Upon arrival, they found Simmons unresponsive with multiple gunshot wounds.
He was pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics.
Witnesses at the scene identified Norwood as the shooter. Surveillance footage from a nearby store captured parts of the altercation that led up to the shooting. According to prosecutors, the footage showed Norwood and Simmons engaged in a verbal dispute that escalated into violence.
Authorities stated that Norwood retrieved a handgun from his vehicle and opened fire as Simmons attempted to walk away.
Trial Highlights
During the trial, Assistant State Attorney Caroline Glover argued that Norwood acted with a “depraved mind” and “complete disregard for human life,” satisfying the elements for second-degree murder under Florida law. “This was not self-defense. This was retaliation,” Glover stated during her closing arguments.
The defense claimed that Norwood felt threatened and acted in self-defense, pointing to Simmons’ alleged gang affiliation and prior threats. However, the jury was not persuaded by the defense’s arguments.
The medical examiner testified that Simmons was shot four times — twice in the chest and twice in the back — further challenging the defense’s claim that Norwood was under immediate threat.
Community Response
The verdict has sparked reactions across the community. Members of Simmons’ family expressed relief following the decision. “Justice was served today,” said his sister, Amanda Simmons, outside the courthouse. “We’ve waited almost a year for this. Now we can begin to heal.”
Local advocacy groups, including the Marion County Citizens for Justice, praised the jury’s verdict. “This sends a message that violence will not be tolerated in our neighborhoods,” the organization stated in a press release.
Legal Ramifications and Sentencing
According to Florida Statutes § 782.04, second-degree murder is defined as the unlawful killing of a human being when perpetrated by an act imminently dangerous to another and demonstrating a depraved mind without regard for human life.
Conviction of this crime carries a penalty of up to life in prison, depending on the circumstances and the defendant’s criminal history.
Norwood has a previous record of felony convictions, which may weigh heavily during sentencing. Circuit Judge Lynn Perkins will preside over the sentencing hearing, expected to occur in early June. Norwood is currently being held at the Marion County Jail without bond.
The Florida Department of Corrections will determine Norwood’s placement if he receives a prison sentence. Information about sentencing guidelines and incarceration facilities in Florida can be found on the Florida Department of Corrections official website.
Ongoing Concerns About Gun Violence
The case highlights ongoing concerns about gun violence in Marion County and across Florida. According to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, firearm-related homicides in the state have increased slightly over the past three years, prompting renewed efforts to address violent crime through community engagement and public safety initiatives.
Sheriff Billy Woods released a statement following the verdict: “Our office will continue working closely with prosecutors to ensure that violent offenders are brought to justice. We are committed to keeping Marion County safe.”
Conclusion
Ricky Norwood’s conviction marks a significant development in a case that has gripped the Ocala community since last year. While the sentencing phase remains, Thursday’s guilty verdict provides closure to the family of DeAndre Simmons and reinforces the legal standards for second-degree murder in Florida.
The case also underscores broader issues related to firearm access, conflict resolution, and law enforcement’s role in investigating and prosecuting violent crime.
For further information on Florida criminal statutes and sentencing laws, visit the Florida Legislature’s official website.
To follow updates on local cases and public safety announcements, you can also refer to the Marion County Sheriff’s Office.
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