16-year-old accused of murder in Ruskin to be tried as an adult
By Emi Darquea
Published on April 9, 2026.
James Middlebrooks, 16, is being tried as an adult for the murder of 19-year-old Jonathan Blue during a marijuana transaction. A judge denied bond for the first-degree murder and second-degree attempted murder charges, stating there is a substantial probability that he committed the offenses. Middlebrook's family testified about possessing firearms and having contemplated moving him to New York after the killing. The alleged shooting occurred on March 15th and leaves another woman with serious injuries. The suspect's arraignment is scheduled for two weeks.
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