Honk News (Daytona Beach, FL) – A man from Florida admitted guilt this week in connection with the shooting death of an 18-month-old girl. At the same time, claims of a related coverup continue to persist.
On Wednesday, C.J. Nelson, Jr., 21, took responsibility for one count of manslaughter with a firearm, as per Flagler County court records.
A 911 call was made during Labor Day weekend in 2023, and it was described as “frantic.” A caller reported that a toddler had been shot in the head and did not survive. A shooting occurred shortly before midnight at a rental property on Ranwood Lane in Palm Coast, which is a medium-sized city within the Daytona Beach metro area.
A child was later declared deceased at a local hospital.
Eight adults were present during the incident of violence, according to the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office.
A significant amount of the truth seems to have been revealed.
Nelson’s plea agreement creates a situation that feels both uncertain and conclusive. The first page shows that he is admitting guilt for the crime, while the second page states that he is entering a no-contest plea. A date for the sentencing hearing has not been established yet.
Nelson’s admission is an open plea, indicating there was no deal made between the state and the defense regarding leniency in sentencing or any other matters. The final decision will rest entirely with the judge in charge of the case.
Additionally, we need to consider the co-defendant involved in the case.
C.J. Nelson, Sr., 46, the father of Nelson, was charged in January 2024 with two counts of tampering with evidence and providing false information to law enforcement.
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The case has moved along at a slow pace since that time.
The sheriff has named the defendant’s father as the suspected mastermind behind the coverup that occurred after the death.
The father of the shooter allegedly told witnesses to create an alibi for him and his son, asking them to say they were outside smoking at the time of the shooting, according to the sheriff. Staly mentioned that Nelson Sr. later told his son to “take a shower” at another location while other family members were at the hospital where the child passed away.