Suspect in 2021 Deadly Shooting at Myrtle Beach Bar Accepts Plea Deal
MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. Shooting Suspect Enters Plea Deal
In a significant development, the man accused in the 2021 fatal shooting at a now-defunct Myrtle Beach bar has entered a plea deal, announced the 15th Circuit Solicitor’s Office.
Jermaine Gattison, who was initially charged with the murder of 26-year-old Jas’sier Wilson, pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter on July 16. Following the plea, he was sentenced by the judge to serve a term of eight years behind bars.
Mistrial Aborted After Plea Deal
This resolution of Gattison case comes on the back of a mistrial declared in his murder trial in March. A jury had failed to reach a determination on Gattison’s guilt or innocence in the brutal killing of 26-year-old Jas’sier Wilson. Tonya Root, a 15th Circuit Solicitor’s Office spokesperson, explained the rationale behind the plea deal was to evade the need for a retrial.
Background of the Case
Jas’sier Wilson was tragically shot multiple times inside the Donny’s Saloon on March 25, 2021, succumbing to his injuries 11 days later in the hospital. According to Wilson’s girlfriend who testified in court, Wilson had a seizure that resulted in his untimely demise.
Discrepancies in the Cause of Death
The cause of Wilson’s death was a prominent point of contention throughout Gattison’s murder trial. The prosecution side held Gattison responsible for discharging the fatal gunshot. In contrast, the defense summoned Dr. Thomas Owens, a forensic pathologist and medical examiner from Mecklenburg County in North Carolina, who emphasized the lack of an autopsy on Wilson as strange, given the proceeding criminal investigation.
Owens stated that medical documents from the hospital revealed Wilson bore three gunshot wounds, but just one bullet was discovered with no account for the other two. He demonstrated his belief that Wilson didn’t expire due to complications from the gunshot injuries, citing the absence of adequate evidence.
The defense further argued that Gattison shot Wilson in an act of self-defense.
Another Murder Charge Pending
In addition to Gattison, authorities also arrested Hubert Durant, who was linked to the case. Durant is presently facing a murder charge, and his case is reportedly open and awaiting its course.
Details Ahead
The conclusion of Gattison’s case brings one phase of this tragic event to a close. However, with Durant’s case still pending, the families of those involved, as well as the Myrtle Beach community, will continue to await justice. As these events unfold, HERE News Network will continue to follow the story closely.
Source: HERE News Network
By: HERE News
