Man gets 30 years for shooting cousin

Jacksonville Sheriff's Office booking photo of Nathaniel Hayward

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A 42-year-old Jacksonville man was recently sentenced to 30 years in prison for attempted first-degree murder, and 10 years for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Nathaniel Hayward pleaded guilty to those charges in October. The sentences run concurrently.

Recommended Videos



In April 2011, the victim, who is Hayward's cousin, was attending a family party when he was approached by Hayward. The two began to argue over a card game when the defendant pulled out a gun and shot his cousin twice -- once in the head and once in the shoulder.

The victim's injuries caused severe trauma and partial paralysis.