Erin Hill
Gadsden County News Service
A weekend shooting at a memorial service in Gretna left one person dead and several others injured, and authorities have arrested a local man in connection with the attack.
The shooting occurred Saturday, November 1, around 9:18 p.m. on Beech Avenue, just steps from the Gretna Police Department. Police Chief Brian Alexander said an officer responding to a nearby traffic incident reported hearing roughly 100 shots fired. When additional units arrived, they found multiple victims and what appeared to be several shooters.
The memorial was for 25-year-old Zaccheus Miller, who was shot inside his vehicle on October 21. Alexander said 200 to 300 people were attending when the shooting began. Four people were struck by gunfire, and one person was hit by a fleeing vehicle. 29-year-old Shanadra Jackson later died at a local hospital from her injuries, he said, adding that none of the victims were the intended targets.
On Monday, Dedario Jermartinez Hunter, 40, of Gretna, was arrested and charged with second-degree murder. Alexander said Hunter allegedly brought a semi-automatic firearm to the memorial and opened fire, surrendering at the Gadsden County Sheriff’s Office without incident.
Alexander said authorities are conducting a door-to-door investigation and urged the community to come forward with any information. “Someone saw something, so we need them to say something now,” he said.
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement is leading the ongoing investigation, working with the Gretna Police Department and Gadsden County Sheriff’s Office. The State Attorney’s Office will prosecute the case.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the Gretna Police Department at (850) 856-5257 or submit an anonymous tip to Big Bend Crime Solvers at (850) 574-TIPS.
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