GAINESVILLE, Fla. – A chilling narrative unfolded in Alachua County as a Grand Jury indicted Kaniel Jeremy Paul Edwards, a 22-year-old from Ocala, on grave charges. Edwards now stands accused of first-degree murder, attempted murder, and carrying a concealed firearm without proper authorization. These charges stem from a tragic shooting on Easter Sunday, April 20, 2025, at T.B. McPherson Center, which resulted in the death of 20-year-old Ontaria Baisden.
Authorities apprehended Edwards in August alongside two other men from Ocala, linking them to the Easter Day shooting that erupted after an Easter Egg hunt at T.B. McPherson Park. Though the details surrounding the arrests remain under wraps due to sealed documents, the indictment specifies that Edwards faces charges of first-degree premeditated murder for the fatal shooting of Baisden. The indictment further alleges he fired at Gabriel Frazier and Jarrett Jones Jr., the other two defendants involved.
In addition to murder, Edwards is charged with first-degree attempted murder, accused of attempting to kill Gabriel Frazier, Jarrett Jones Jr., or any associates of the two men. He also faces charges for carrying a concealed firearm illegally during the incident.
A motion filed for Edwards’ pre-trial detention highlights that three individuals sustained gunshot wounds during the Easter Sunday ordeal. The investigation concluded that the violent episode involved three shooters and had gang-related motives.
In the wake of the Grand Jury’s decision, Judge Susan Miller-Jones ordered that Edwards be held without bail as he awaits trial on the murder and attempted murder charges. Meanwhile, bail was set at $10,000 for the charge of carrying a concealed weapon unlawfully.
Following the Grand Jury indictment, Judge Susan Miller-Jones ordered Edwards held without bail until trial on the homicide and attempted homicide charges and set bail at $10,000 on the concealed firearm charge.
Articles about arrests are based on reports from law enforcement agencies. The charges listed are taken from the arrest report and/or court records and are only accusations. All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
