BUNNELL, FL – Manslaughter charges have been brought against CJ Nelson Jr., the person of interest in the shooting death of 18-month-old Ja’liyah Allen on the night of September 3, 2023. Nelson was initially arrested on September 4, 2023, for violating his terms of probation and transported to the Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility where he has remained since with no bond.
At the time of his initial arrest, Nelson was on probation for Improper Exhibition of a Dangerous Weapon and Possession of Cannabis Less Than 20 Grams. According to the Order of Probation, Nelson was prohibited from possessing, carrying, or owning any firearm.
On November 15, 2023, a Grand Jury indicted Nelson for Manslaughter with a Firearm and an arrest warrant was issued. Major Case Unit Detective Kathryn Gordon served Nelson, Jr. with the arrest warrant at the Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility where he had been held since his arrest. He continues to be held with no bond. The charge of Manslaughter with a Firearm holds a penalty of up to 30 years in the state prison system according to State Attorney R.J. Larizza.
Nelson’s DNA and latent prints were located on the firearm after processing at the Florida Department of Law Enforcement’s Crime Lab. Additionally, it was determined through a blood draw that Nelson was high on THC at the time of the incident.
“Thank you to the State Attorney’s Office, FDLE and the many members of the Sheriff’s Office for their assistance in this case,” said Sheriff Rick Staly. “I think the Grand Jury spoke loud and clear and I commend Detective Gordon and the team for building a strong case to hold Nelson, Jr. accountable for his actions. The investigation is continuing, and additional charges may be pending.”
Date: September 4, 2023
Prepared by: Ava Hanner, Public Affairs Office
Phone and Email: 386-262-8066, AHanner@flaglersheriff.com
Release #: 2023 – 175
18-Month-Old Child Dies in Shooting in Palm Coast
BUNNELL, FL – An 18-month-old child died overnight in a shooting in Palm Coast. Around 11:45pm on September 3, 2023, Flagler County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a residence on Ranwood Lane in Palm Coast after FCSO Communications received a frantic 911 call reporting a baby had been shot.
Upon arrival, deputies located an 18-month-old female with a gunshot wound to the head. The child was transported to the hospital where she was pronounced deceased.
Major Case Unit detectives are still actively gathering evidence and speaking to witnesses. No arrests have been made at this time. This death may have been accidental; however, the investigation is still active and ongoing with the assistance of FDLE’s Crime Scene Investigators.
“This is a tragic situation, and we offer our condolences to the family and friends of this little girl. This was a young life cut way too short,” said Sheriff Rick Staly. “While God has a new little angel, we will investigate this incident along with the State Attorney’s Office Homicide Investigation Unit until all facts are known. There is no threat to the community. The incident was contained inside this residence and all persons present or involved have been identified.”
FCSO will provide more information when possible.
