Otis Anderson Sr., the father of former UCF football star Otis Anderson Jr., has pleaded guilty to manslaughter and has been sentenced to 12.5 years in prison in connection with the tragic shooting death of his son. The State Attorney’s Office confirmed this development to FOX 35 News on Tuesday.
Court records indicate that Anderson Sr. appeared in Duval County court on Tuesday morning to receive his sentence. He has been ordered to serve 12 years and six months in Florida State Prison, followed by five years of probation. With credit for nearly two years served, amounting to 707 days, the 53-year-old has accepted responsibility for his actions.
Initially entering a plea of not guilty to second-degree murder and attempted second-degree murder charges, Anderson Sr. eventually agreed to a plea deal, accepting guilt for lesser charges of armed manslaughter and armed attempted manslaughter.
During the court proceedings, the family opted not to make any statements.
The tragic incident occurred in November 2021, when an altercation stemming from a dog bite led to the fatal shooting of 23-year-old Anderson Jr., a former running back at the University of Central Florida. Law enforcement officers responding to the scene found Anderson Jr. with a gunshot wound to his chest, and a second victim, Denise Anderson, suffering from multiple graze wounds.
Despite efforts to save him, Anderson Jr. succumbed to his injuries, while Denise Anderson received medical treatment and was subsequently discharged.
The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office report indicated the presence of a pool of blood outside the residence, where Anderson Jr. collapsed, and evidence of bullet strikes and projectiles found in various locations within the house, highlighting the devastating nature of the incident.