Friday (Feb 23), Damien GROOMS (31), entered a plea to the offenses of Accessory After the Fact to Capital Felony (F1), Abuse of Dead Body (F2), and Tampering with Physical Evidence in the death of Jaylen McIntyre (21), in Sanford. GROOMS was adjudicated guilty and sentenced by Circuit Judge Melanie Chase to fifteen (15) years in state prison with credit for time served of 501 days.

 

On April 21, 2022, McIntyre's deceased body was found in a burned out shed on Roseberry Lane in unincorporated Sanford. After a weeks-long investigation Lewis BOONE (26), was identified by Seminole County Deputies as the person who shot and killed Jaylen McIntyre, arresting him on July 25, 2022. The investigation also revealed that GROOMS traveled from Daytona to Sanford to assist his brother BOONE, dispose of evidence, then move and burn McIntyre's body. GROOMS was arrested on September 19, 2022.

 

BOONE was indicted by the Grand Jury on July 12, 2022, and is awaiting trial for First-Degree Premeditated Murder (CF), Tampering with Evidence (F3), and Possession of Ammunition by Convicted Felon (F2). 

 

GROOMS will be transferred to the Florida Department of Corrections to begin serving his sentence.