FLAGLER COUNTY, FL – The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office announced that C.J. Nelson, Jr. has been indicted by a Grand Jury for the manslaughter of 18-month-old Ja’liyah Allen. The incident occurred on the night of September 3, 2023.
Nelson was initially detained on September 4, 2023, for violating probation terms and has been held at the Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility without bond. His probation was for Improper Exhibition of a Dangerous Weapon and Possession of Cannabis Less Than 20 Grams, which prohibited him from possessing firearms.
On November 15, 2023, the Grand Jury charged Nelson with Manslaughter with a Firearm. Detective Kathryn Gordon served the arrest warrant at the detention facility. This charge carries a potential sentence of up to 30 years in state prison, as noted by State Attorney R.J. Larizza.
Evidence linking Nelson to the crime includes his DNA and fingerprints found on the firearm, processed by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement’s Crime Lab. Additionally, a blood test indicated Nelson was under the influence of THC at the time of the incident.
Sheriff Rick Staly acknowledged the efforts of the State Attorney, FDLE, and Sheriff’s Office members in the case, noting the Grand Jury’s decision and the possibility of further charges as the investigation continues.