2 men found guilty of attempted murder in after-party shooting

A Bay County jury convicted two men of attempting to kill three people who they shot at while chasing them across northwestern Bay County at speeds surpassing 100 mph, State Attorney Larry Basford announced on Friday.

Jordan Cayne Hutchinson, 22, and Chase Sonny Chavez, 21, were found guilty of three counts each of attempted second degree murder. On each of those counts, the jury found Hutchinson “actually possessed and discharged a firearm” during the crime, while Chavez was found to have possessed a firearm at the time.

The defendants were tried together with separate attorneys but one jury. Under Florida’s 10-20-Life Statute, Hutchinson faces a minimum-mandatory 20-year prison sentence on each of his attempted second degree murder charges, while Chavez faces a minimum-mandatory 10-year
sentence on each of his.

Additionally, both men were found guilty of shooting into an occupied vehicle, and Hutchinsonn was also convicted of aggravated assault. Any sentences handed down on those charges would have to be served separately from the 10-20-Life sentences.

Prosecutors  presented evidence and witnesses, including the three victims and investigators from the Bay County Sheriff’s Office, proving the state’s case. The jury took about 90 minutes to reach its verdict.