JACKSON COUNTY, Fla. (WDNews) – A Grand Jury convened on Friday, October 11, 2024, and indicted Jerry Upshaw of Jackson County on two counts of First-Degree Murder and one count of Soliciting to Commit First-Degree Murder. The charges stem from the 2021 disappearances of Stephon Gaines and Nicholas Hollis.
The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) launched an investigation in November 2021 after Gaines and Hollis were reported missing. Investigators worked diligently over nearly two years to locate the men.
On October 11, 2023, JCSO investigators discovered skeletal remains confirmed to belong to Gaines and Hollis. Further investigation led to the arrest of Jeremiah Castro and Willtaye Young for their involvement in the homicides.
Upshaw now faces charges for his alleged role in orchestrating the murders and soliciting others to commit the crimes.
“I am extremely proud of our team for working tirelessly over the past three years to bring everyone involved in these crimes to justice,” said Sheriff Edenfield. “I also want to thank the State Attorney’s Office for the role they played in this investigation. Please join us in praying for the families impacted by this crime.”
This case continues to be under investigation, and more details may emerge in the coming days.
