Boy, 15, Guilty Of Murder In Fatal County Fair Shooting: Brodsky

DESOTO COUNTY, FL — A 15-year-old was found guilty of charges related to the shooting death of another teenager at the DeSoto County Fair last year.

Ryan Artese Watson Jr. was convicted Thursday of second-degree murder with a firearm and carrying a concealed weapon after a four-day jury trial at the DeSoto County Courthouse, according to a news release from State Attorney Ed Brodsky’s office.

The crimes come with a maximum possible sentence of 25 years to life in prison with a minimum mandatory sentence of 25 years.

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Watson, who was tried as an adult, will be sentenced on Feb. 10.

The victim, Danny Rodriguez Lopez, was shot to death after a fight broke out on Feb. 4, 2023, at the county fair.

“This was an unfortunate situation involving two juveniles at the DeSoto County Fair. Both families’ lives are forever changed,” Cliff Ramey, assistant state attorney, said. “We are satisfied with the verdict and justice was served for the victim’s family.”