GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Eugene Javon Patrick, age 24, has renounced his guilty plea to manslaughter in connection with the shooting death of Bobby Bernard Hopkins, Jr., which occurred on May 22, 2021, at the Swamp Car Wash.
On April 13, Patrick, who was originally charged with murder in the second degree, entered a plea of nolo contendere to the charge of manslaughter, which is a lesser included felony that carries a maximum sentence of 15 years in state prison.
According to the terms of the plea agreement, all parties had agreed to a sentence of 15 years in state prison, with credit given for the 682 days already served; Patrick’s sentencing was due to take place on April 24 before Judge James Colaw.
Today, however, Patrick changed his mind about entering a plea of guilty and asked that the matter be sent to trial instead.
During the speedy hearing, Judge Colaw agreed to Patrick’s motion and rescheduled the case for a later date on the trial calendar. Patrick faces the possibility of 25 years to life in jail if he is found guilty.
