GAINEVILLE – A Gainesville man has been charged with second-degree murder in an October 29th fight between inmates in the Alachua County Jail.
Daniel Lee Clark reportedly beat another inmate, Devonte Gardner, on the stairs leading to the second floor of a housing unit, according to the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office.
Gardner remained in UF Health-Shands hospital in a medically induced coma until Saturday without regaining consciousness. Family members decided to take him off life support, after doctors said Gardner would remain in a vegetative state. He sustained a fractured neck, multiple face fractures, extensive bruising and swelling from the beating.
The Alachua County Sheriff’s Office arrest report said video footage of the incident showed Clark beginning a physical fight with Gardner. The report said Gardner did not return punches, and held his hands up in self-defense. Gardner fell to the ground and Clark began “foot stomping” him at least 10 times before detention staff stopped the beating.
