The five-day trial of Sammy McKnight on several felony charges including murder wrapped up on Friday, resulting in McKnight being convicted of murder amongst other things. He was put on trial for reportedly shooting and killing a man in the parking lot of DeBary hotel in June 2022.
McKnight was shown on surveillance footage to have spoken with the victim for around an hour before a fight began, resulting in five gunshot wounds to the victim. McKnight then reportedly got into the victim's car and drove it away. Though the victim ran to a business nearby for medical help, he died at the scene of the crime.
Now, over two years after that fateful incident, McKnight has been convicted of first degree murder, carjacking with a firearm, armed burglary, and possession of a firearm by a convicted in-state felon. Though a resident of Palm Bay according to his booking in the Volusia County Branch Jail, he's been in custody in Volusia ever since June 21st, 2022.
"Your prosecutors continue to make justice a reality for the citizens of the 7th Circuit," commented State Attorney R.J. Larizza at the conclusion of the trial. "The defendant will spend the rest of his life in prison - a fate he richly deserves."
