Ginnie Springs shootings leave one dead, multiple injured

GILCHRIST COUNTY ‒ Gilchrist County Sheriff Bobby Schultz announced on May 28, 2024, the arrest in one of the shootings that occurred at Ginnie Springs over the Memorial holiday weekend.   The second shooting is still under investigation by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) and assisted by the Gilchrist County Sheriff’s Office (GCSO).

One shooting occurred during the overnight hours of Friday, May 24,2024, and another during the overnight hours of Saturday, May 25. Massive Memorial Day weekend crowds at the popular privately owned springs and campground were estimated by GCSO at 20,000 to 30,000 people.   The park was temporarily closed to the public while investigators were on scene of the shootings.

GCSO reported that at approximately 11:30 p.m., the Gilchrist County Sheriff’s Office responded to an attempted murder that occurred in the roadway inside Ginnie Springs between the Devil’s Spring and the tube launch. Law enforcement found a white male later identified as Koty Stewart of Jacksonville deceased on the ground. At that time both GCSO and FDLE were on the scene and were asking for witnesses and an “outstanding subject that was involved” to come forward.

Authorities were initially searching for a dark skinned, African American female, in her early 20s, approximately 5’10” to 6’0”, fit and muscular with long braids and light tinted contacts. She was described as wearing circular hoop earrings and multiple rings. She was also wearing a green bikini top or a dark and multi-colored patterned top and bikini bottoms or short shorts. She had been staying in this area all day and was last seen walking towards the exit of the park. GCSO later in a statement announced that it was no longer seeking the identity of the female individual.

The next evening, it was reported that a large fight erupted between two groups. FDLE agents reported that someone pulled out a gun and fired into the crowd striking three bystanders. Two of the injured were treated and released. One bystander remains hospitalized with serious injuries. FDLE is asking for assistance from the public into the investigation and requests that anyone with information to contact them.

On May 28, GCSO announced the arrests of two suspects in the first shooting. Fisher Dalton Watts was charged with first degree premeditated murder while Dallas Jordan Watts was charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Authorities say Fisher Watts and Koty Stewart, 34, had an argument on Friday night in the bathhouse at Beaver Landing. Investigators say that following the argument, Fisher Watts shot and killed Stewart. Fisher Watts fled to St. Mary’s, Georgia and was later arrested in Camden County, Georgia. As of May 28, he awaits extradition back to Gilchrist County.

Numerous agencies have been involved in the investigation including the GCSO, FDLE, Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission, Florida Highway Patrol, Columbia County Sheriff’s Office, Dixie County Sheriff’s Office, Gilchrist County Fire Rescue, Gilchrist County Emergency Management, and the 8th Judicial Circuit State Attorney’s Office. Authorities say that as the investigations progress, additional information will be released.

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