The case is closed for one of two men arrested in connection with a beating last year outside the Anna Maria Elementary School.
Judge Stephen “Matt” Whyte of the 12th Judicial Circuit ruled March 2, finding Cameron Evans, 19, of Sarasota, guilty of a second-degree felony for aggravated battery with great bodily harm.
The sentence stems from a March 23, 2022, attack on Evan Purcell, 41, of Holmes Beach, outside Anna Maria Elementary, 4700 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Purcell was hospitalized with serious injuries.
Whyte sentenced Evans, who pleaded no contest to the charge, to 36 months in the Florida Department of Corrections system.
The sentence includes credit for 322 days of time served, with release eligible in April 2025.
The sentence also includes a year of community control —a program in which Evans will be confined to his home unless attending an allowed activity, such as work or school — and six years of probation.
Additionally, the sentence subjects Evans to mental health and substance abuse evaluation and treatment, completion of an anger management course and 100 hours of public service.
The attack occurred when Purcell was walking his dog with his 10-year-old niece and saw a group of young adults vandalizing the school, according to a Holmes Beach Police Department report.
When Purcell asked the group to leave the school grounds, they became aggressive. He drew a pocketknife but they beat him to unconsciousness.
Purcell’s niece ran to a residence where 911 was called.
Purcell was transported to HCA Florida Blake Hospital in Bradenton.
The HBPD identified Evans, Palmetto resident John Bartholow, 18, and an unnamed juvenile as suspects connected to the incident using video footage from the scene and witness testimony. All three were arrested within a month.
Evans has been in jail since April 14, 2022, resulting in credit for time served.
Evans’ sentence also prohibits him from contacting Purcell or Purcell’s niece.
Bartholow remained in custody at the Manatee County jail under a $13,500 bond as of March 16.
He also is facing a third-degree felony charge for criminal mischief as a result of a Jan. 23, 2022, incident that also included Evans.
Bartholow has pleaded not guilty to all pending charges and is set for a case management hearing March 29, at the Manatee County Judicial Center, 1051 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton.
Lawyers for Evans and Bartholow have not responded to The Islander’s inquiries about their cases.