On April 7, 2023, Jermarien T. Edwards, a 20-year-old, was found dead from a gunshot wound to the torso at a home located on North 16th Street in Palatka, Florida. The incident occurred around 7:17 p.m., and Edwards was pronounced dead at the scene.
Following the discovery of Edwards' body, the Palatka Police Department initiated an investigation into the shooting. During the course of the investigation, police identified 17-year-old Edarian Price as a possible shooter in the case. Price was named as the suspect, and a photo of him was released by the police in an effort to gather information on his location.
A 20-day search for Edarian Price ensued, involving the Palatka Police Department and the U.S. Marshal Fugitive Taskforce. On April 28, 2023, Price was taken into custody without incident in New Jersey. He was charged with first-degree premeditated murder in connection with Edwards' death and is set to be extradited back to Putnam County.
The successful arrest of Price was attributed to the collaborative efforts of the Palatka Police Department, particularly Detective Juston Hale, who is assigned to the U.S. Marshal Fugitive Taskforce, and the State Attorney’s Homicide Investigative team.
