Alachua County Grand Jury indicts two for murder, returns no indictment for deputies who shot suicidal man

Staff report

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – The Alachua County 2023 Fall Term Grand Jury has returned two indictments for murder and no charges against deputies who shot and killed a suicidal man in June 2023.

Javon Stephon Barclay

On January 17, the Grand Jury returned a True Bill for first-degree murder, grand theft of a vehicle, grand theft of a firearm, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, felony driving without a valid license, and fleeing with lights and sirens against Javon Stephon Barclay, 29. Barclay is charged with murdering Johnny Walker at Cynthia Chestnut Park on September 17, 2023. Walker’s BMW was located the next day, and Barclay was arrested after allegedly fleeing from Alachua County and Marion County Sheriff’s Deputies along U.S. Hwy 441 while driving the stolen BMW.

Assistant State Attorney David Margulies presented the case to the Grand Jury, and the findings were received by Judge Thomas Jaworski. Barclay is being held without bail.

Amanda Marie Janzen

The Grand Jury also returned a True Bill for first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder, fleeing with lights and sirens, and five counts of child neglect against Amanda Marie Janzen, 38. Janzen allegedly shot and killed Anna Haslup Terrill and shot Thomas Lepread Williams at the Walgreens at 3909 NW 13th Street on Christmas Day during a planned child custody hand-off. She then allegedly led law enforcement on a 15-mile chase to the City of Alachua with five children in her vehicle.

Assistant State Attorney Nicole Reed presented the case to the Grand Jury, and the findings were received by Judge Thomas Jaworski. Janzen is being held without bail.

Officer-involved shooting of Wendell Chastain

The Grand Jury returned a No True Bill against deputies who shot and killed Wendell Chastain on June 12, 2023; Chastain was reportedly suicidal and allegedly pointed a shotgun at deputies. Four deputies fired, incapacitating Chastain, and immediately attempted to render aid, but Chastain died at the scene.

The Grand Jury reviewed video, audio, and documentary evidence and found No True Bill after a full deliberation.

State Attorney Brian Kramer presented the results of the Florida Department of Law Enforcement’s investigation into the incident.