Teen faces first-degree murder charge after Apopka festival victim dies

Apopka Police announced on Monday that a 17-year-old man arrested in connection with a shooting near a local festival is now charged with first-degree murder. The upgrade in charges followed the death of the 21-year-old victim, who had been hospitalized since the incident occurred on Friday, Nov. 6.

The victim, identified as Nasir Hercule, was shot multiple times near the intersection of Goodrich Avenue and East Orange Street. This location is just outside Kit Land Nelson Park, where the Apopka Fall Family Festival took place. Hercule was transported to a hospital in critical condition but died days later, according to police officials.

Jeremiah Daniels, the teen arrested in the case, was initially charged with attempted first-degree homicide when police announced his detention on Saturday. On Monday, investigators updated the charges against him to include first-degree murder with a firearm. The updated list of charges also includes tampering with evidence, juvenile in possession of a firearm, and resisting an officer without violence.

Police stated that the violence began with an argument inside the festival. The dispute escalated into gunfire as the individuals involved were leaving the event. Officers assigned to security at the park responded immediately to the scene. They located and detained two individuals and recovered the firearm used in the shooting.

While the investigation continues, neighbors and local residents are recalling Hercule’s character. A neighbor who spoke with a community correspondent described Hercule as having a pure heart. The neighbor recalled a specific instance where Hercule helped jump-start a car for another resident at 2 a.m., an act the neighbor said illustrated his willingness to help others.

Megan Garrett, an Apopka resident, visited Kit Land Nelson Park with her children on Monday. She did not witness the shooting and had not attended the specific festival, but she expressed concern about safety at public gatherings. Garrett suggested that organizers consider adding metal detectors to identify potential threats at future events.

Garrett stated that the shooting would make her think twice before attending similar events in the future. She said she would likely not attend next time because parents must prioritize the safety of their children. The Apopka Police Department commended its officers for their response and extended condolences to Hercule’s family in a Monday update.

A second juvenile was arrested in connection with the police response and charged with misdemeanor resisting an officer without violence. Police have not publicly identified that individual. The department said its investigation remains ongoing and that all charged individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.