Franklin Raybon Jr. Will Face Murder Trial October 12
A judge scheduled the jury trial for the Sarasota resident regarding a 2024 shooting at North Jetty Park.
Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Violence
The jury trial for Franklin Raybon Jr., charged with first-degree murder, is scheduled for October 12, 2026. The charges stem from a May 19, 2024, shooting incident at North Jetty Park in Nokomis.
Why it matters
The trial will determine the legal outcome for Raybon, who faces charges including murder, child abuse, and discharging a firearm from a vehicle. A pending Stand Your Ground motion could potentially grant the defendant immunity from prosecution.
Franklin Raybon Jr. remains held without bond while awaiting trial on charges of first-degree murder, second-degree murder, child abuse, and discharging a firearm from a vehicle.
The players
Franklin Raybon Jr.
The 25-year-old defendant who has pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder charges.
Octavious Cummings Jr.
The victim who died from a gunshot wound to the torso during the incident at North Jetty Park.
The details
Prosecutors allege that Raybon confronted a group at North Jetty Park over physical contact with his infant child before firing multiple rounds toward the crowd. Octavious Cummings Jr. died in the incident after sustaining a gunshot wound to the torso.
Timeline
May 19, 2024: The shooting occurred at North Jetty Park.
May 21, 2024: Law enforcement arrested Franklin Raybon Jr.
September 28, 2026: A judge set the upcoming trial date.
October 12, 2026: The jury trial is scheduled to begin.
Legal Context
The defense has filed a Stand Your Ground motion seeking immunity from prosecution before the trial begins. This motion invokes the Florida Stand Your Ground law to seek immunity, a legal strategy frequently utilized in state homicide trials.
The upcoming trial highlights active judicial processes in Sarasota regarding public safety and firearm-related offenses. Local residents and observers may monitor the proceedings to see how the court handles the Stand Your Ground immunity claim.
The takeaway
The court's upcoming decision on the immunity motion will set the tone for the entire murder trial. Observers should watch for how the judge applies existing self-defense statutes to the evidence presented by the defense.
What happens next
The court is expected to issue a formal ruling on the defendant's Stand Your Ground motion prior to the start of the jury trial on October 12.
Further reading
For additional context on legal proceedings in the region, visit the Sarasota Violence section.
