Press Release
The Office of State Attorney Glenn Hess announces that on June 28, 2018, a Jackson County jury found Daniel Jacob Craven, Jr., guilty as charged of First Degree Murder in the death of his cellmate at the Graceville Correctional Facility. On June 29, 2018, the twelve-member jury recommended a sentence of death by a unanimous vote.
Evidence presented at the trial demonstrated that while incarcerated at the Graceville Correctional Facility, Craven murdered his cellmate, John H. Anderson, on June 28, 2015, by repeatedly stabbing him with a shank. During the trial, the jury heard testimony that Craven killed his cellmate because they were of different races and religions, and because Craven wanted to start a race riot in prison.
Evidence presented during the penalty phase of the trial demonstrated that Craven was at the Graceville Correctional Facility serving a life sentence for the 2011 murder of Ronald Justice. Craven had been having an affair with Justice’s wife, and beat Justice with a baseball bat outside of the home where Justice was staying, while Justice begged for his life. He then handcuffed Justice and drowned him in a dog bowl.
The case was investigated by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. The case was prosecuted by Chief Assistant State Attorney Larry Basford and Assistant State Attorney Laura Parish. Circuit Judge Christopher Patterson set sentencing for September 4, 2018.
For additional information, contact Chief Assistant State Attorney Larry Basford.