Jamari DeAndre Jones, a 20-year-old African American male from Summerfield in Marion County, was found dead on February 16, 2022, in a home located at 804 Montclair Road in unincorporated Leesburg, Florida. The Lake County Sheriff's Office responded to a report of shots fired at approximately 4:30 a.m. Upon arrival, deputies discovered Jones deceased inside the residence and another individual, 41-year-old Jammy Casteel, suffering from gunshot wounds on the front porch. Casteel was transported to UF Health Leesburg, where he later succumbed to his injuries.
The investigation revealed that the incident was not a random act of violence. Detectives believe that Jones was brought to the home in a vehicle that fled the scene before law enforcement arrived. There were signs of forced entry at the front door, suggesting a possible home invasion. The Lake County Sheriff's Office has not ruled out this theory and continues to seek information regarding the vehicle and individuals involved.
Jones was out on bail for drug and weapons charges at the time of his death. His criminal history included a previous arrest where a helicopter was used to capture him. Casteel also had a lengthy criminal record, including two stints in the Florida Department of Corrections for selling drugs. The authorities have characterized the shootings as targeted killings, indicating that both victims were specifically chosen.
The Lake County Sheriff's Office has urged anyone with information about the incident to come forward, emphasizing the importance of identifying the vehicle and individuals who fled the scene. Despite the ongoing investigation, no arrests have been made, and the case remains open as detectives continue to gather evidence and follow leads.
