- April 5, 2025
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A Palm Coast man who inadvertently shot and killed his 18-month-old niece in September 2023 has been sentenced to 15 years in prison.
C.J. Nelson Jr. pleaded to manslaughter with a firearm in February and was sentenced on April 3, a State Attorney's Office press release said. At the time of the shooting, Nelson was on probation from previous improper exhibition of a dangerous weapon and cannabis possession charges. As part of his probation, Nelson was prohibited from possessing, carrying or owning a firearm.
On Sept. 3, 2023, Nelson was handling a rifle. He inadvertently pulled the trigger and the bullet went through the wall and hit his niece in the head where she was playing in the hallway, the press release said. The shot killed the toddler.
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