BUNNELL, FL – FCSO detectives have arrested a 16-year-old male in conjunction with the stabbing of two juveniles in the BL-section of Palm Coast on Sunday, July 30th. During the investigation, detectives determined that the suspect, Brandon Gray Jr., had traveled with a friend to a residence in the BL-section to sell a mixture of marijuana and Italian seasoning to other juveniles. When the victims were unable to pay for the marijuana mixture, the group of juveniles went to a nearby trail to engage in a fight.
Through investigative means, it was determined that the subjects began by engaging in mutual combat with bare fists which escalated when Gray armed himself with a pocketknife and began stabbing the first victim. The second victim was stabbed while attempting to assist the first victim. Both victims were transported for medical treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.
Gray was arrested and transported to the Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility for processing pending a decision from the Department of Juvenile Justice. Gray is charged with two counts of Aggravated Battery with a Deadly Weapon (one count for each juvenile victim) and Use/Display of a Weapon During a Felony.
“Like Detective Gossett tells Gray in the video, kids become who they hang out with,” said Sheriff Rick Staly. “Committing a crime by selling a mixture of Italian seasoning and illegal weed is a recipe for disaster and escalating violence as we saw in this case. Parents, be the Sheriff in your home and know who your kids are hanging out with and what they are doing, so they don’t make life-changing mistakes at a young age.”
To view video of Gray’s arrest: https://youtu.be/S7Hs1fAoRtE
Original news release below.
Date: August 1, 2023
Prepared by: Ava Hanner, Public Affairs Office
Phone and Email: 386-262-8066, AHanner@flaglersheriff.com
Release #: 2023 – 152
Major Case Unit Investigating Stabbing
***Edited to reflect correct location***
BUNNELL, FL – FCSO Detectives are investigating a stabbing that occurred on Sunday afternoon, July 30th in the BL-section of Palm Coast. Several juveniles engaged in a physical altercation resulting in two juveniles being stabbed with a small pocketknife. Both juvenile victims suffered non-life-threatening injuries and were transported to a local hospital for treatment. There is no danger to the general public at this time as this appears to be an isolated incident involving individuals that knew each other. A video of the incident has been circulating on social media, and detectives have a copy of the original video. The investigation is active and ongoing. If you have additional information pertaining to this incident, please contact Detective Adam Gossett at AGossett@FlaglerSheriff.com or Tips@FlaglerSheriff.com. If you wish to remain anonymous, you may call CrimeStoppers at 888-277-TIPS.
“Our Major Case detectives are hard at work thoroughly investigating all aspects of this case,” said Sheriff Rick Staly. “As summer winds down and kids prepare to go back to school, please remember to keep an eye on where your kids are, who they are hanging out with, and what they are doing. Be the Sheriff in your home and teach your kids that violence is never the answer.”
