(Marion County, FL) On December 11, 2025, a Marion County jury found 24-year-old Henry Jonathan Valencia guilty of Second-Degree Murder with a Firearm. The defendant was sentenced to Life in prison following his conviction.

Back in May of this year, multiple deputies with the Marion County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) responded to the Petro Gas Station off Highway 318 in reference to a shooting. Upon arrival, officers located a male victim, later identified as 17-year-old Nosiah Santos, lying on the ground next to a gas pump.

Medical treatment was rendered to the victim on scene, who was trauma alerted to a hospital, where he was later pronounced deceased. Officials spoke to a caller on the scene, who informed deputies she video recorded the suspect running from the area after the shooting. The video was collected as evidence.

Also on scene was the victim’s mother, who indicated she was on the phone with the victim at the time of the altercation.  She told law enforcement that the victim called her and indicated that he wanted her to pick him up, that he was done with Valencia.  Upon hearing this, she asked where the victim was. After receiving his location, she proceeded to drive to him and stayed on the phone. While traveling to get her son, the phone went silent.

During their investigation, detectives learned that the defendant and victim had been in a dating relationship for approximately four months. Valencia picked up the victim earlier that day from the victim’s mother’s residence to travel back to Jacksonville. During their travels, the defendant and the victim began to argue over another male. At this time, the defendant stopped at the gas station where the victim got out and was on the phone with his mother. The defendant shot the victim while the victim sat, waiting for his mother to arrive. The defendant fled the scene.

The victim’s family was familiar with the defendant and informed law enforcement that he resided in Jacksonville. Law enforcement made contact with Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office deputies, who located Valencia. He was interviewed regarding the incident and subsequently arrested in this case.

This case was successfully prosecuted by Assistant State Attorney Janine Nixon.  

Published 12/15/2025.