(Marion County, FL) On Wednesday, May 22, 2024, after an extensive trial where the prosecution presented compelling evidence, a jury found 54-year-old Virginia Lee Hizer guilty of Aggravated Battery with a Firearm. The verdict comes after Hizer took the stand in her own defense for her 2022 arrest.
Back on July 8, 2022, Hizer and the victim had become engaged in a verbal argument. After consuming an entire bottle of wine earlier in the day, Virginia continued to ignite the argument with the victim. Eventually, Hizer entered a bedroom and retrieved a firearm from the dresser.
After retrieving the firearm, Hizer then proceeds to the living room where she continues to engage the victim in a verbal argument. At that point, Hizer unzips the case the firearm is in, aims it at the victim who is wheelchair-bound, and fires the firearm. A bullet struck the victim in the leg before exiting and shattering a glass sliding door.
Realizing what had occurred, Hizer exited the home and fled in her vehicle. Deputies with the Marion County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) responded to the home, the victim recounted to officials the events leading up to the shooting.
The next morning, while authorities were still on scene, Hizer passed by the home in her vehicle. Law enforcement deputies were able to identify her and take her into custody. When questioned, Hizer told detectives that she was unaware she shot the victim, stating the glass door shattering scared her so much she fled in her vehicle. Upon further questioning, Hizer denied ever pointing the firearm at the victim and claimed the firearm went off on accident. MCSO deputies subsequently arrested Hizer for the shooting.
With this verdict, Hizer will face a minimum-mandatory sentence of 25 years.
“The defendant’s actions in this case were reckless and dangerous,” said Bill Gladson, Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney. “The jurors found the defendant guilty beyond a reasonable doubt and I would like to thank them all for their civic service.”
This case was successfully prosecuted by Assistant State Attorney Marissa Meyer.
Published on 05/24/2024.