Jackson County Man Charged with Two Counts of First-Degree Murder

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Posted by: Staff
Date: Oct 13 2024 12:21 PM

JACKSON COUNTY, FLA.:  On Friday, October 11, 2024, a Grand Jury convened regarding two counts of First-Degree Murder and one count of Soliciting to Commit First-Degree Murder charges for Jackson County resident Jerry Upshaw.

In November 2021, the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) received reports of two missing persons, Stephon Gaines and Nicholas Hollis. Investigators immediately began a missing persons investigation and worked countless hours over the course of nearly two years attempting to locate them.

On October 11, 2023, the investigation led JCSO Investigators to skeletal remains determined to be those of Gaines and Hollis.

Jeremiah Castro and Willtaye Young were identified as suspects and arrested for their roles in the homicides.

As of October 11, 2024, Jerry Upshaw is now being charged with two counts of First-Degree Murder and one count of Soliciting to Commit First Degree Murder for his role in the homicides. 

I am extremely proud of our team for working tirelessly over the past three years to bring everyone involved in these crimes to justice,” Sheriff Edenfield said. “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.”

 

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