Jury Began Deliberations in Cassels Murder Trial
Three defendants face trial for a 2017 shooting death near U.S. Highway 301.
Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Financial Crime
A jury in Gainesville has commenced deliberations in the murder trial of Nikenson Perin, Blake Jackson, and Keneth Altidor. The three men stand accused of killing 23-year-old Christin Cassels during a robbery attempt in 2017.
Why it matters
Prosecutors allege the defendants targeted Cassels to steal $30,000 from the victim's home. The trial has centered on the validity of forensic evidence, including geofencing data used to track the suspects.
The trial involves three defendants arrested seven years after the 2017 incident. Court proceedings have included testimony from 17 witnesses, including Lance Martin, who claimed to have heard a confession from Perin.
The players
Nikenson Perin
He is one of the three men currently on trial for the 2017 murder of Christin Cassels.
Blake Jackson
He is a defendant currently on trial for the murder of Christin Cassels.
Keneth Altidor
He is one of the three defendants facing charges in the murder trial of Christin Cassels.
Christin Cassels
The 23-year-old victim was fatally shot at her home near U.S. Highway 301 in 2017.
Lance Martin
He testified during the trial that defendant Nikenson Perin confessed to the murder.
The details
Defense attorneys questioned the state's case during closing arguments, challenging both witness credibility and the reliability of digital geofencing data. The presiding judge previously blocked a request from the defense to introduce an expert witness from Tallahassee.
Timeline
Christin Cassels was shot and killed in 2017.
The three defendants were arrested in 2024.
Defense lawyers moved to bring in an expert witness on September 25, 2026.
Closing arguments concluded and jury deliberations began on September 28, 2026.
Legal Context
This case follows a seven-year investigation into the 2017 murder of Christin Cassels, highlighting the extended timeline often associated with cold-case prosecutions. The use of modern geofencing technology reflects a broader trend of utilizing digital evidence to secure indictments years after a crime occurs.
The trial's conclusion brings a sense of resolution to a seven-year-old case that occurred near a major regional transit artery. Residents may see continued police and court presence in downtown Gainesville as the jury reaches a verdict.
The takeaway
The reliance on cell phone and geofencing data in this trial illustrates how investigators leverage modern technology to build cases long after physical evidence may have degraded. This case underscores the importance of digital footprints in contemporary criminal prosecutions.
Further reading
For more information on legal proceedings in the area, visit the Gainesville Financial Crime section.
