This incident occurred July 30th, 2024 in Sarasota, Florida.
Sarasota, FL – A violent shooting in the early morning hours of July 30, 2024, resulted in the arrest of three individuals on charges including attempted murder, drug distribution, and child neglect. According to a Sarasota Police Department report (Case No. 2024-00036313), officers responded to a shots fired call on 29th Street at approximately 4:57 a.m. The victim of the shooting was Elijah Battie, possibly related to the previous mayor of Sarasota Kyle Battie.
Chronology of the Incident
4:57 A.M. – Shots Fired Report
According to the police report, Sarasota officers were dispatched to 29th Street after receiving a 911 call regarding gunfire. Upon arrival, officers secured the scene and located the victim, Elijah Battie (16), who had sustained injuries related to the shooting. Details on his condition were not provided in the report.
Suspect Identification and Arrests
Following an initial investigation, officers identified Jaylon Jahquez Nikita Williams (15) as the primary suspect in the shooting. The report states that Williams was charged with second-degree attempted murder (F.S.S. 782.04(2)), indicating that law enforcement believes he intentionally attempted to kill Battie.
Additionally, authorities arrested Antorri Smith (14), who was listed as a suspect in the report, though his specific role in the incident was not detailed.
Drug and Child Neglect Charges
During the investigation, officers found evidence that Williams was also allegedly in possession of marijuana packaged for distribution within 1,000 feet of a church. As a result, he was charged under F.S.S. 893.13(1)(e)(2) for intent to distribute illegal substances. Police also reported that Williams was found with drug paraphernalia, leading to additional charges under F.S.S. 893.147(1).
A third individual, Fatima Latonya Williams (36), was arrested and charged with child neglect without great bodily harm (F.S.S. 827.03(2)(d)). The police report does not specify the circumstances of the neglect but notes that children were involved in the situation.
The Role of Jaylon Jahquez Nikita Williams (15): Alleged Shooter Facing Attempted Murder and Drug Charges
Among those arrested in connection with the July 30, 2024, shooting that left Elijah Battie injured was Jaylon Jahquez Nikita Williams (15), who now faces multiple felony charges, including attempted second-degree murder, drug possession with intent to distribute, and possession of drug paraphernalia. According to the Sarasota Police Department report (Case No. 2024-00036313), Williams is the primary suspect in the shooting and is accused of firing the weapon that injured Battie.
Attempted Murder Charge
The police report states that Williams was charged with attempted second-degree murder (F.S.S. 782.04(2)), indicating that investigators believe he deliberately attempted to kill Battie. The exact circumstances leading up to the shooting have not been detailed in the report, but the charge suggests authorities have evidence supporting an intentional act of violence rather than an accident or self-defense claim.
Given the seriousness of the charge, Williams could be prosecuted as an adult, a legal option Florida prosecutors often pursue in violent felony cases involving juveniles. If convicted, he could face significant prison time.
Drug Possession and Intent to Distribute
In addition to the attempted murder charge, the police report states that officers found Williams in possession of marijuana packaged for sale within 1,000 feet of a church. As a result, he was charged under F.S.S. 893.13(1)(e)(2), which enhances penalties for drug distribution in protected areas.
The report also details the discovery of drug paraphernalia, leading to additional charges under F.S.S. 893.147(1). While the exact items were not specified, possession of scales, baggies, pipes, or other drug-related equipment often signals active involvement in drug distribution.
The combination of firearm-related violence and drug distribution at such a young age raises serious concerns about Williams’ potential involvement in organized street crime, gang activity, or illegal drug trade networks operating within Sarasota.
The Role of Fatima Latonya Williams (36): Child Neglect and Possible Influence on Juvenile Crime
Among those arrested in connection to the July 30, 2024, shooting was Fatima Latonya Williams (36), who was charged with child neglect without great bodily harm (F.S.S. 827.03(2)(d)). While the police report does not provide extensive details on the specific nature of the neglect, her involvement raises serious concerns about parental supervision, juvenile crime, and the environment surrounding the young suspects.
Potential Link to the Crime Scene
Williams was arrested alongside Jaylon Jahquez Nikita Williams (15) and Antorri Smith (14), both of whom were charged in connection to the shooting that left Elijah Battie injured. The police report does not clarify whether she was present at the time of the shooting or if she played an active role in facilitating criminal activity. However, the fact that she was charged with child neglect suggests a failure to prevent or properly supervise the actions of the juveniles involved.
The Role of Antorri Smith (14): A Juvenile Suspect in a Violent Shooting Incident
Among those arrested in connection with the July 30, 2024, shooting that left Elijah Battie injured was Antorri Smith (14). While the Sarasota Police Department report (Case No. 2024-00036313) lists Smith as a suspect, it does not specify his exact role in the shooting or detail the charges against him. However, his presence in the case raises critical questions about juvenile crime, firearm access, and the increasing involvement of teenagers in violent offenses.
Smith’s Involvement in the Incident
Although Williams has been identified as the primary suspect in the shooting, the fact that Smith was also listed as a suspect suggests that authorities believe he played a role in the crime, either as an accomplice or through direct participation. The police report does not clarify whether Smith was in possession of a firearm, assisted in the attack, or was involved in any other criminal actions leading up to or after the shooting.
Given the severity of the charges against Williams—including attempted second-degree murder and drug distribution—law enforcement may be investigating Smith’s level of involvement in either the shooting itself or surrounding illegal activities.
Arrests and Charges Filed
According to the Sarasota Police Department report, the following individuals were arrested and charged:
- Jaylon Jahquez Nikita Williams (15)
- Attempted Murder – Second Degree
- Possession of Marijuana with Intent to Distribute within 1,000 feet of a Church
- Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
- Antorri Smith (14)
- The police report lists Smith as a suspect, but it does not specify the exact charges against him.
- Fatima Latonya Williams (36)
- Child Neglect without Great Bodily Harm
Case Files
Potential Connection to Sarasota’s Leadership
The victim, Elijah Battie, may be a relative of Kyle Battie. The possible connection underscores growing concerns about youth involvement in violent crime within the city.
Rise in Juvenile Crime in Sarasota
This case is part of a growing pattern of juvenile-involved gun violence, drug activity, and serious criminal offenses in Sarasota. Law enforcement officials have reported an increase in firearm-related incidents and drug-related crimesamong minors, prompting concerns about gang activity, illegal firearm possession, and lack of intervention for at-risk youth.
Despite city-led efforts to reduce youth violence through mentorship programs and community initiatives, cases like this highlight the urgent need for stronger preventative measures, parental involvement, and law enforcement intervention.
Community Concerns and Public Safety Measures
As this case moves through the legal system, Sarasota residents are left questioning how to prevent future violent incidents involving minors. Officials stress that collaborative efforts between law enforcement, schools, and community leaders are necessary to address the root causes of youth crime, gun violence, and drug activity.
Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting, and additional charges may be filed as more details emerge.
Lack of Media Awareness and In-Depth Reporting to Inform The Public
We aim to provide all case files and in-depth reporting when covering incidents in the Suncoast Region. When incidents like these occur there appears to be a lack of reporting, especially when it comes to juveniles involved in crime. Our reporting is meant to be informative and raise awareness. Compare this article to local legacy media:
https://www.mysuncoast.com/2024/07/30/3-arrested-early-morning-newtown-shooting/
