PUTNAM COUNTY, Fla. — After a two-day trial, a Putnam County jury found a defendant named Eldridge Griner guilty as charged with First-Degree Murder with a firearm.
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On the evening of May 25, 2021, Griner went to a Palatka apartment under the guise of selling drugs to the victim, Joseph Brinson. A woman who lived in the unit did not want Griner present and asked him to leave, which resulted in an argument. Brinson broke off the argument, escorting Griner outside.
While outside, Griner pulled out a handgun and shot Brinson point blank in the head. He died of his injuries at the scene.
Later, Griner was taken into custody in South Carolina on an unrelated warrant. According to the report, while being extradited to Putnam County, Griner admitted to killing Brinson, calling it a “hit” and an “execution”. He says he had planned it after Brinson had allegedly robbed him prior.
Following Griner’s verdict, he was sentenced to life in prison.
“The fact that a convicted murderer will never walk the streets again is a Christmas gift for the citizens of our communities,” State Attorney R.J. Larizza said about the case. “His ruthless and brutal execution of our victim reflects the violent depravity of his character.
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