Jason Ian Price, a 16-year-old male from Panama City Beach, Florida, tragically lost his life on August 20, 2017. Born on April 19, 2001, in Columbus, Georgia, Ian was known for his warm and caring nature, having been awarded the "Warmest Heart Award" in the fifth grade. He enjoyed various hobbies, including designing and building new ideas, woodworking, fishing, working on his truck, skateboarding, spending time with his brother and friends, and watching Alabama football.
On the fateful
day of his death, Ian was with his friend John Pyle, who had arranged to sell marijuana to another acquaintance at a CVS parking lot in Panama City Beach. Unbeknownst to them, the transaction was a setup orchestrated by three men from Auburn, Alabama: Demarcus Giddens, Rodney Jones, and Gertavious Canada. As Pyle began the sale, Giddens attempted to rob him, leading to a violent confrontation. Ian, who was in Pyle's truck, emerged to help his friend and was shot in the chest by Giddens, resulting in his immediate death.
The case quickly drew significant attention, leading to the arrest and trial of Demarcus Giddens. Giddens was charged with first-degree murder and attempted robbery. During the trial, Giddens claimed he acted in self-defense, but the jury found him guilty. On October 3, 2018, Giddens was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole for the murder of Jason Ian Price. Additionally, he received a concurrent 25-year sentence for armed robbery.
The trial was an emotional ordeal for Ian's family, who remembered him as a loving and selfless individual. His mother, Lora Schoonover, spoke during the sentencing, highlighting Ian's caring nature and the profound loss their family experienced. Despite the tragic circumstances, the family expressed that their pursuit was always for justice, not vengeance, and they found some solace in the conviction and sentencing of Giddens.
