Ocala woman sentenced to life for murder of Pine Ridge resident who worked as detention deputy in Ocala

Citrus County, Florida - On June 28, 2024, 24 year-old Jacqueline Jasmin Johnson-Cabrera of Ocala, Florida pleaded guilty to first-degree murder and armed residential burglary and was sentenced to life in the Florida Department of Corrections for the August 19, 2022 death of 31 year-old Cory Schweitzer, of Pine Ridge, Florida, who was employed with the Marion County (Florida) Sheriff's Office in Ocala, Florida as a detention deputy.

Before Johnson-Cabrera's sentencing, Cory Schweitzer's sister delivered a victim impact statement before the court, detailing how Johnson-Cabrera's actions will forever impact her family.

"Today's life sentence reaffirms our unwavering commitment in seeking justice and holding offenders accountable for their crimes," said State Attorney Bill Gladson of Florida's Fifth Judicial Circuit. "While this sentence cannot bring back Cory, we hope it provides a measure of closure to the Schweitzer family and to Cory's colleagues at the Marion County Sheriff's Office."

"On behalf of the men and women of my office who serve Marion County, I want to extend our sincerest thanks to Citrus County Sheriff Mike Prendergast and his dedicated team." said Marion County Sheriff Billy Woods. "They investigated Cory's death and quickly brought his murderer to justice. Today, Cory's killer pled guilty and received life without the possibility of parole. While we continue to mourn his loss, knowing she is off the streets brings us some comfort. I personally want to thank State Attorney Bill Gladson and the 5th Judicial Circuit State Attorney's Office for ensuring this killer will never see freedom again,"

This case was prosecuted by Assistant State Attorneys Peter F. Magrino and Blake Shore.

On August 19, 2022, the Citrus County Sheriff's Office's communication center received a call that reported a potential suicide. It was relayed to the communications officer that the victim, Cory Schweitzer, had an apparent gunshot wound and was not breathing. First responders arrived at the residence, shortly thereafter, and pronounced the victim deceased.

Citrus County Sheriff's Office Major Crimes Sergeant Thomas Dowling and Detective Roscoe Watts responded to the residence to investigate. As evidence collected by Crime Scene Specialist Victoria Gerneth was analyzed, it became evident to investigators that Schweitzer's death was not a suicide, but a murder and an attempted coverup. The medical examiner performed an autopsy on the decedent.

During the investigation, officials identified Johnson-Cabrera, a former girlfriend of Mr. Schweitzer, as the suspect. As a result of the medical examiner's report, evidence collected from the scene and statements made during interviews, a warrant was secured for Johnson-Cabrera's arrest, and on August 24, 2022, she was arrested and charged with crimes related to the murder of Cory Schweitzer.

"I am incredibly proud of the tireless efforts of Sergeant Dowling, Detective Watts, and Crime Scene Specialist Gerneth, along with our Fifth Judicial Circuit Assistant State Attorneys, working together to secure a life sentence for the murder of a fellow law enforcement officer," said Citrus County Sheriff Mike Prendergast. "Their dedication to justice and their unwavering commitment to finding the truth behind this 'staged' suicide is commendable. Today's sentencing is a testament to their hard work and dedication to keeping Citrus County safe."