A Mount Dora man was found guilty of attempted murder for an incident last year in which he shot a woman twice through a car window.
A Lake County jury found 38-year-old Jason Jameel Ganga guilty Wednesday on charges of attempted second-degree murder, shooting into an occupied vehicle and aggravated battery. This verdict follows a detailed investigation and subsequent trial.
“I commend the diligence and bravery of the Mount Dora Police Department in their swift response and thorough investigation, leading to the arrest and subsequent conviction of this defendant,” said Bill Gladson, Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney. “This verdict represents a significant step in our ongoing efforts to combat violence and ensure the safety of our community.”
Back in March of last year, the MDPD responded to a reported shooting incident in the area of Pine Avenue. Upon arrival, officers found a woman in a 2010 Nissan passenger vehicle, suffering from at least two gunshot wounds. Officials on scene observed two bullet holes through the driver’s side window of the vehicle.
Medical treatment was rendered to the victim on scene, who was later transported to a local hospital. The victim was still responsive and able to identify her assailant as “Jason” to authorities. During MDPD’s investigation, detectives were able to later confirm the shooter as Ganga.
As officers approached the residence, they heard voices and discovered an individual outside, who indicated Ganga was inside the home. MDPD officers located Ganga hiding under a bed. As they attempted to remove him from under the bed, they observed him holding a handgun to his temple.
The weapon, however, lacked a magazine and therefore was not loaded. Deputies were able to secure the firearm and take Ganga into custody. Ganga, who showed signs of alcohol intoxication, refused to cooperate with MDPD’s questioning. A search of the home revealed multiple firearms, including handguns and rifles, with ammunition scattered throughout the premises.
Ganga was transported to the Lake County Jail where he has been held since his arrest for trial.
This case was successfully prosecuted by Assistant State Attorneys Gabriel Lozano and Eddie Moffitt.
