David Lemon sentenced to 25 years for 2020 murder of Tyler Hopkins in Crystal River

State Attorney's Office (SAO)
Fifth Judicial Circuit of Florida

Inverness, Florida - During the week ending April 5, 2024, 29 year-old David Jerome Lemon, Jr. of Crystal River, Florida was sentenced to serve a mandatory minimum sentence of 25 years in the Florida Department of Corrections after entering a guilty plea in Florida's Fifth Judicial Circuit Court in Inverness, Florida.

Lemon pled guilty to charges of second-degree murder, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and shooting into an occupied vehicle

This case was investigated by the Citrus County Sheriff's Office (CCSO) and prosecuted by Assistant State Attorneys Rich Buxman and Rob Lewis.

"The gravity of Lemon's actions shook our community, robbing residents of their sense of security and leaving a profound impact on the victim's family," said Bill Gladson, Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney. "While this sentence cannot undo the tragedy that occurred, it provides a measure of closure for the victim's family, and reinforces the message that violent acts will be met with consequences."

A shooting incident occurred on February 20, 2020, at Copeland Park in Crystal River. When CCSO deputies and detectives arrived at the scene of the incident, they learned that a witness had transported the victim, 26 year-old Tyler Hopkins of Crystal River, to a hospital now known as Tampa General Hospital Crystal River/TGH North, in Crystal River, where he was later pronounced deceased.

Detectives with the CCSO Major Crimes Unit began an investigation into the fatal shooting, with David Lemon, Jr. identified as a person of interest. When law enforcement officials attempted to locate Lemon, they learned he'd already fled the area.

On the morning of February 4, 2021, Lemon was located at a residence in Citrus Springs, Florida and placed under arrest by members of the CCSO Major Crimes and Tactical Impact units and the United States Marshals Fugitive Task Force.

"I hope this sentence brings a measure of closure to the Hopkins family," said Citrus County Sheriff Mike Prendergast. "Lemon's reckless actions took a young life and caused immeasurable pain to the victim's family and friends. We are grateful for the tireless efforts of our personnel and the U.S. Marshals in apprehending Lemon, as well as our state prosecutors for ensuring he faced justice for his crime. The sentencing of David Jerome Lemon, Jr. serves as a testament to the unwavering commitment of law enforcement to pursue justice and ensure the safety of the community."