Arrest made in case where man was fatally shot while playing a video game in NE Ocala
Ocala police officers have charged a man in connection with the shooting death of another man in 2024. The victim was inside a house playing a video game when the shooter fired through a window from outside.
Blayze Jurien White has been charged with first-degree murder, possession of a machine gun, possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon, and shoot deadly missiles into dwelling.
White appeared in front of a judge on Saturday for a first appearance hearing. The court ruled that he will be held without bail at the Marion County Jail. His next court date, which will be an arraignment, is set for March.
White, 22, has been locked up at the county jail since December after being accused of a half dozen probation violations. State prison records show White was released in late December 2023 after serving time for a firearm charge and grand theft of a motor vehicle.
Two other individuals, Zayshawn Webb, 18, and Frederick Lowe, 21, also are expected to be charged with first-degree murder in this case, law enforcement officials said.
A candlelight vigil honoring Derrick “DJ” Brown was held on July 3, 2024.
Webb, who was 17 at the time of the shooting, is presently being held at a Department of Juvenile Justice program, while Lowe is in prison for multiple convictions that include drug trafficking, robbery and aggravated assault, authorities said. Prison records show Lowe’s released date is scheduled for June 2039.
If all three are convicted in the murder case, they face life in prison.
About the shooting
Derrick “DJ” Brown died in late June 2024 at a residence in the 2800 block of Northeast Eighth Terrace in Ocala, police officials said.
Brown was playing video games at the residence when he was shot. Detectives said the gunshot came through a window.
At the time of the shooting, a neighbor heard gunshots and screaming. The neighbor told a Star-Banner reporter about performing life saving measure on Brown until officers arrived.
The victim was transported to a local hospital, where he died. He was 24.
Kelly Carter, center, gets a hug from a friend as Pastor Darrell Tolbert, right, speaks during a War Cry 4 Peace candlelight vigil after the shooting death of Derrick Brown Jr.
The police investigation has included numerous interviews. Detectives eventually were able to secure a search warrant for a residence where they recovered what they believe was the firearm used in the shooting.
Murder: Man, 24, shot and killed Sunday night in NE Ocala
After further investigation and interviews, police said, they were able to link White, Webb and Lowe to the shooting.
“The investigative team worked flawless and in close conjunction with the State Attorney’s Office, which ultimately led to the successful closure of this case,” said Capt. Mike Sommer of OPD’s major crimes unit.
Contact Austin L. Miller at austin.miller@starbanner.com
This article originally appeared on Ocala Star-Banner: Police say they solved case of man fatally shot while playing video game
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