(Citrus County, FL) Last week, in a significant development following a lengthy legal process, 29-year-old David Jerome Lemon Jr. was sentenced to a minimum mandatory of 25 Years in the Florida Department of Corrections after entering a plea.
Lemon pleaded to Second-degree Murder, Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, and Shooting into an Occupied Vehicle. This sentencing comes after a thorough investigation by the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) and a rigorous legal process by the Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney’s Office.
“The gravity of Lemon’s actions shook our community, robbing residents of their sense of security and leaving a profound impact on the victim’s family,” said Bill Gladson, Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney. “While this sentence cannot undo the tragedy that occurred, it provides a measure of closure for the victim’s family and reinforces the message that violent acts will be met with consequences.”
The incident occurred on February 20, 2020, when CCSO deputies arrived at Copeland Park due to a shooting that had occurred. Upon arrival, officials learned that a witness had transported the victim, 26-year-old Tyler Hopkins, to a local hospital. Tyler was later pronounced deceased.
Detectives with the CCSO Major Crimes Unit began an investigation into the fatal shooting, with David Lemon, Jr. being identified as a person of interest. When law enforcement officials attempted to locate Lemon, they learned he’d already fled the area.
Despite Lemon’s initial evasion of law enforcement, relentless efforts by CCSO’s Major Crimes Unit and the Tactical Impact Unit, along with the United States Marshals Fugitive Task Force, led to his eventual arrest on February 4, 2021.
“I hope this sentence brings a measure of closure to the Hopkins family. Lemon’s reckless actions took a young life and caused immeasurable pain to the victim’s family and friends,” said Sheriff Mike Prendergast, Citrus County Sheriff’s Office. “We are grateful for the tireless efforts of our personnel and the U.S. Marshals in apprehending Lemon, as well as our state prosecutors for ensuring he faced justice for his crime.”
The sentencing of David Jerome Lemon Jr. serves as a testament to the unwavering commitment of law enforcement to pursue justice and ensure the safety of the community.
This case was successfully prosecuted by Assistant State Attorneys Rich Buxman and Rob Lewis.
Published on 04/08/2024.