The Office of the State Attorney for the Ninth Judicial Circuit has formally filed a charge against Sharelle Johnson for her role in a shooting that injured two children at a Pop Warner football practice in October 2023.
The Central Florida mother is facing a Culpable Negligence charge which is a third-degree felony, punishable up to five years in the Florida Department of Corrections after authorities said her son took the gun from the car and shot two teens after an argument at the Orlando area football practice in Apopka.
On October 2, 2023, Ms. Johnson’s 11-year-old son was able to obtain a loaded firearm from an unsecured cardboard box that was left in her vehicle. As a result, two children were shot and injured. The cardboard box that held the weapon was worn and tattered, did not have any safety locks or fasteners and was easily accessible.
Under Florida Statute 784.05, a person can be charged with culpable negligence by storing or leaving a loaded firearm within the reach or easy access of a minor and the minor obtains the firearm and uses it to inflict injury or death upon himself or herself or any other person.
State Attorney Andrew Bain’s office has worked alongside the Apopka Police Department from the very beginning of this case to determine the facts and evidence to ensure all those involved in the incident are held accountable. The State Attorney’s office said they commend their investigative efforts and look forward to continuing our partnership with local law enforcement.
Johnson was taken into custody by Orange County deputies and placed under arrest.
