Shooter Sentenced for Killing Woman in Minivan Outside Central Florida Restaurant

45-year-old Latavious Johnson pleaded no contest to second-degree murder and attempted first-degree murder charges.

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

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A shooter was sentenced to 45 years in prison for killing a woman who was waiting in a minivan outside a Central Florida restaurant and tax preparation office, and then wounding her husband inside the business before being shot himself by an armed employee.

Why it matters

The case highlights the ongoing challenges of gun violence and public safety in Florida communities, as well as the complexities of plea bargaining and sentencing in high-profile criminal cases.

The details

In October 2020, Latavious Johnson shot and killed Jamie Wright as she waited in a minivan outside a South Melbourne restaurant and tax preparation office. Johnson then went inside the business, shot Theron Wright twice as he played a video game, and wrestled with him before being shot in the face and neck by an armed employee. DNA and security footage evidence linked Johnson to the crimes, and he agreed to plead no contest to second-degree murder and attempted first-degree murder charges in exchange for a 45-year prison sentence instead of life.

  • The shootings occurred in October 2020.
  • Johnson was sentenced in March 2026, over 5 years after the incident.

The players

Latavious Johnson

A 45-year-old man who was sentenced to 45 years in prison for killing a woman in a minivan and wounding her husband inside a business.

Jamie Wright

A woman who was killed by Latavious Johnson while waiting in a minivan outside a Central Florida restaurant and tax preparation office.

Theron Wright

The husband of Jamie Wright, who was wounded by Latavious Johnson inside the business before an armed employee shot Johnson.

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What they’re saying

“Mr. Johnson's going to prison, and he probably won't make it out given his age.”

— Mike Doyle, Prosecutor (westorlandonews.com)

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenges of gun violence and public safety in Florida communities, as well as the complexities of plea bargaining and sentencing in high-profile criminal cases. It serves as a reminder of the devastating impact that gun crimes can have on families and communities.