MILTON — Circuit Judge John Simon sentenced Tahj Halique Jones to 50 years in state prison as a mandatory minimum under the 10-20-Life Statute, according to State Attorney Bill Eddins.
A Santa Rosa County jury convicted Jones on Nov. 15, 2016, of home invasion robbery with a firearm and aggravated battery. The conviction stemmed from a shooting that occurred Nov. 29, 2015, at a residence on Woodville Road in Milton. During the incident, Jones and another individual entered the residence armed with firearms, allegedly intending to rob the residence.
Two men were home at the time and both were shot during the robbery. One victim was killed and one victim was shot multiple times but survived his injuries. The surviving victim identified Jones as one of the two men who entered the house and the same one who shot him.
After Simon announced the sentence, the state dismissed the charge of second-degree murder against Jones. The investigation as to the second gunman is ongoing.
The Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation and arrest. Assistant State Attorney Alvin “Trey” Myers prosecuted the case.
This article originally appeared on Santa Rosa Press Gazette: Milton shooting suspect sentenced