(Hernando County, FL) Last week, Judge Daniel B. Merritt, Jr. sentenced 41-year-old Jerae Crussell to Life in Prison after being found guilty during his jury trial earlier this year. Crussell was convicted of Aggravated Battery with Great Bodily Harm with a Firearm (possession, discharge, and great bodily harm).

Crussell’s case stems from his 2022 arrest after officials with the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office responded to a shooting that occurred in the parking lot of the Mermaid’s Lounge in Spring Hill, Florida.  On scene, law enforcement located the victim who had multiple apparent gunshot wounds. The victim was transported to a local trauma center for treatment. Authorities learned the defendant had fled the scene.

Detectives with the Major Case Unit began their investigation into the events leading up to the shooting. Forensic Specialists examined the incident area and collected vital evidence, including numerous spent shell casings. Surveillance footage, which contained video evidence of the altercation, was collected from a business located in the same plaza.

Through the evidence collected and from speaking with witnesses, the defendant was developed as the suspect. A warrant was issued for his arrest.

The Florida Regional Fugitive Task Force received intel that Crussell was working down in Pasco County, Florida. The task force was able to locate Crussell and take him into custody without further incident.

This case was successfully prosecuted by Assistant State Attorneys Ben Larison and Angelina Rodeo.

Published on 06/23/2025.