State Attorney Andrew Bain announced on Tuesday that two Osceola Sheriff Deputies involved in a shooting that resulted in one fatality and injuries when deputies converged on an Audi in the Target parking lot in 2022 would not face charges. Investigators say a number of teenagers were accused of stealing a pizza and some Pokémon cards from the Target before being confronted by Osceola Deputies.
During the press conference, Bain shared that a public grand jury decided against charging Deputies Scott Koffinas and Ramy Yacoub in the death of Jayden Baez or in connection with injuries suffered by Baez’s passengers.. He noted that the jury considered various testimonies and evidence before reaching their decision, but added that the grand jury would continue investigating in a “second presentment phase” to understand better how to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Attorney Mark NeJame, who is representing the victims, expressed relief that the case remains active. He highlighted challenges in indicting law enforcement and alleged discrepancies in the information presented to the grand jury.
The shooting took place when deputies, participating in a training exercise, responded to a reported theft of a pizza and Pokémon cards by occupants of the Audi, including Jayden Baez, Joseph Lowe, Michael Gomez, and a teenager. The Audi, attempting to escape, collided with deputy vehicles, leading to the shooting. Baez was killed, while Lowe and Gomez sustained severe injuries.
Lowe and Gomez initially faced petit theft charges, but these were later dropped. NeJame, along with attorney Albert Yonfa, filed a federal lawsuit against Sheriff Marcos Lopez and the two deputies.
