Three Men Sentenced in Murder Case: Ryan Nichols, Daniel DeGuardia, and Holden Dodson

Three men, Ryan Nichols, Daniel DeGuardia, and Holden Dodson, have been at the center of a tragic and controversial case in Jacksonville. Nichols, a 20-year-old white man, was sentenced to 40 years in prison for the fatal shooting of a Black man, Gary Jackson, near a dumpster in 2023. DeGuardia, 19, and Dodson, 22, were charged with accessory after the fact.

Despite the heinous nature of the crime, the men managed to avoid hate crime charges, with the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office stating there was no evidence of racism playing a factor in the killing. However, Dodson revealed that Nichols used a racist slur to describe Jackson after the shooting, indicating a potential racial motivation behind the crime.

Surveillance footage from local businesses showed a chilling scene of a man chasing Jackson with a handgun, followed by a Jeep Grand Cherokee. Nichols then pursued Jackson on foot after jumping out of the car, ultimately leading to the tragic murder.

During his sentencing, Judge Anthony Salem expressed sorrow for Jackson’s family and emphasized the lack of respect for human life shown by Nichols. Despite Nichols claiming self-defense and Jackson being armed, the evidence pointed to a cold-blooded murder.

DeGuardia and Dodson are set to be sentenced on June 28, facing up to 15 years in prison for their roles in the crime. The case serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of senseless violence and the importance of justice for the victims and their families.