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15-year-old arrested accused of shooting, killing man at party, Flagler sheriff says

Teen surrendered to law enforcement in Georgia, sheriff says

Sheriff Rick Staly holding up a picture of Da’Mari Barnes, 15, who is accused of shooting and killing a 19-year-old at a party in Palm Coast. (Copyright 2022 by WKMG ClickOrlando - All rights reserved.)

PALM COAST, Fla. – The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office announced the arrest Thursday of a 15-year-old accused of shooting and killing a 19-year-old at a party in Palm Coast.

Da’Mari Barnes, 15, is accused of shooting and killing Jamey Bennett, Jr. on Feb. 5.

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Da’Mari Barnes, 15 (Copyright 2022 by WKMG ClickOrlando - All rights reserved.)

“Detectives convinced his parents to have their son turn himself in,” Sheriff Rick Staly said. “Late (Wednesday) afternoon Barnes turned himself in to the Mitchell County Sheriff’s Office in Camilla, Georgia.”

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Barnes currently faces a charge of manslaughter, though Staly said that charge could be increased by the state attorney’s office.

“While it is tragic to charge a 15-year-old with murder, it is my hope the state attorney — and a grand jury if necessary — will indict and charge him as an adult,” Staly said. “The juvenile system has significant limitations on serious crimes like this, and I don’t think the juvenile system will provide the proper justice for the victim’s family or our community.”

Bennett was shot during a fight at a party in Palm Coast, deputies said. Staly said that the party was attended by about 50 teens.

“We learned the shooting occurred after our victim intervened in a verbal argument, which then resulted in a physical confrontation between the victim and Barnes during this late night party,” the sheriff said. “Barnes pulled out a concealed firearm and shot the victim once in the chest.”

Staly stressed the importance of parents knowing where their children are and who they are with, to avoid incidents such as this shooting.

“Parents, I ask you to teach your kids that it takes a bigger man to walk away from a dispute than it does to be a punk with a gun,” he said. “Know what your kids are doing, where they are and who they’re with before it’s too late.”


About the Authors
Brandon Hogan headshot

Brandon, a UCF grad, joined the ClickOrlando team in November 2021. Before joining News 6, Brandon worked at WDBO.

Thomas Mates headshot

Thomas Mates is a Streaming Executive Producer for News 6 and ClickOrlando.com. He also produces the podcast Florida Foodie. Thomas is originally from Northeastern Pennsylvania and worked in Portland, Oregon before moving to Central Florida in August 2018. He graduated from Temple University with a degree in Journalism in 2010.

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