Port Charlotte, Florida — In a shocking and tragic incident that unfolded on June 9, 2023, in the Milan Supermarket on Tamiami Trail in Port Charlotte, Jammacar Gayle, a 42-year-old father from North Port, Florida, was sentenced to 12 years in prison for the stabbing of a female shopper, nearly killing her, after a verbal confrontation involving his children’s misbehavior. The attack, which escalated from a disagreement over the behavior of Gayle’s rowdy children to a violent assault, shocked the local community and raised questions about anger management, domestic violence, and the use of deadly force in seemingly minor disputes.

The altercation began in a supermarket line, where Gayle and his family were waiting to purchase meat. The situation quickly escalated from a verbal argument between the female shopper and Gayle’s ex-wife about the children’s disruptive behavior. What followed was a violent sequence of events, culminating in Gayle using a chef’s knife to stab the woman multiple times. Despite the serious injuries she sustained, the woman survived, and Gayle was later arrested after fleeing to New York City.

This article will examine the events leading up to the stabbing, the legal implications of Gayle’s actions, the community’s response, and the broader social and legal context surrounding domestic violence, anger management, and self-defense laws. We will also explore the aftermath of the incident, including the victim’s recovery and the ongoing legal proceedings against Gayle.

The Incident: How a Simple Argument Escalated into a Violent Stabbing

The fatal confrontation between Jammacar Gayle and the female shopper began innocuously enough in the Milan Supermarket on June 9, 2023. Gayle, accompanied by his ex-wife and children, was in line at the butcher section of the supermarket, waiting to buy meat. According to reports and court affidavits, the trouble began when the woman, who was also shopping at the store, criticized the behavior of Gayle’s children, who were reportedly being rowdy and disruptive.

This innocent comment about the children’s behavior quickly sparked a verbal altercation between the female shopper and Gayle’s ex-wife. The argument escalated into a physical confrontation, with the two women reportedly pushing each other. At this point, Gayle, who had been involved in the dispute, attempted to intervene.

In what would prove to be a dangerous escalation, Gayle grabbed an iron pan from the supermarket shelf and began swinging it at the female shopper. According to the court affidavit, Gayle’s eldest daughter stepped in and was able to disarm her father, removing the pan from his hands. However, the altercation did not end there.

Unwilling to back down, Gayle then grabbed a packaged chef’s knife, which was also on display at the store, removed it from its packaging, and began stabbing the victim repeatedly. The woman was struck multiple times, including in the abdomen and head. Witnesses at the scene reported that Gayle’s violent actions were swift and aggressive, leaving the victim bleeding profusely on the supermarket floor.

After the attack, the victim reportedly tried to chase Gayle’s family to the parking lot in an attempt to photograph their license plate. Gayle, still brandishing the knife, threatened her again before fleeing the scene with his family. The victim, who was in critical condition, was airlifted to a nearby hospital, where she received lifesaving treatment.

The Victim’s Survival and Recovery

Despite the severity of the injuries she sustained, the victim was able to survive the brutal attack. She was airlifted to a local hospital, where medical professionals worked quickly to stabilize her condition. The victim’s injuries, which included stab wounds to the abdomen and head, were life-threatening, but thanks to swift medical intervention, she was able to recover.

Prosecutors emphasized that the victim’s survival was nothing short of miraculous, as she had nearly died from blood loss before receiving medical attention. Her recovery has been slow but steady, and she continues to receive care and support as she heals both physically and emotionally from the trauma she endured.

During the legal proceedings, the victim’s testimony has been a critical part of the case. Her accounts of the attack, including her attempts to photograph Gayle’s vehicle license plate and the threats he made afterward, have been used by prosecutors to build their case against Gayle.

The Arrest and Legal Process: From Fleeing to Extradition

After the stabbing, Gayle fled the scene and went into hiding, eventually traveling to New York City. He remained there for a period of time before law enforcement, aided by surveillance footage from the supermarket and other investigative methods, were able to track him down.

The Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office used surveillance video from the supermarket to identify the make and model of Gayle’s car. Using this information, authorities were able to utilize license plate readers in the area to trace the vehicle to his residence in North Port, Florida. After obtaining a search warrant, investigators discovered evidence of the crime at Gayle’s home, including the knife used in the attack and blood-spattered clothes that belonged to him.

Once the authorities had gathered enough evidence, Gayle was apprehended in New York and extradited back to Florida to face charges. Upon his return to Florida, Gayle was formally charged with Aggravated Battery with a Deadly Weapon and Great Bodily Harm.

Jammacar Gayle’s Sentencing and Legal Defense

On April 14, 2025, Gayle was sentenced to 12 years in prison for the stabbing attack. His conviction came after a jury found him guilty of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon. The state’s attorney’s office confirmed that Gayle would also serve three years of probation upon his release.

During the sentencing, Gayle’s defense attorney argued that his client did not have a criminal record and was a “family man.” The lawyer claimed that Gayle had acted out of a sense of threat during the altercation, stressing that the attack was “out of character” for him. The defense attempted to portray the attack as a momentary lapse in judgment triggered by the escalating tension and confrontation between the women.

However, the prosecution countered by emphasizing the violent nature of Gayle’s actions, the use of a weapon, and the severe injuries inflicted on the victim. The fact that Gayle had repeatedly stabbed the woman, even after she was trying to leave the altercation, left little room for the self-defense claim. The prosecution argued that Gayle’s response to the situation was not justified and was, instead, an act of aggression.

In the end, the jury sided with the prosecution, and Gayle was sentenced to 12 years in prison. His lawyer has since announced plans to appeal the conviction, arguing that the sentence was too severe given Gayle’s lack of a criminal history and his family ties.

The Community’s Response: Shock and Disbelief

The stabbing incident has left the community in shock, with many struggling to comprehend how such a violent act could stem from what initially seemed like a minor dispute over children’s behavior. The supermarket, Milan Supermarket, located on Tamiami Trail in Port Charlotte, is a well-known establishment in the area, and the incident has left both the local shopping community and staff deeply shaken.

The families of the victim and the accused have expressed their grief in the wake of the tragedy. The victim’s family has described their relief that she survived the attack but also their profound sorrow for what happened. Friends and acquaintances of the victim have rallied around her, offering support as she recovers both physically and emotionally.

Gayle’s family, meanwhile, has been publicly silent, except for their lawyer’s comments on his behalf. The nature of the attack has left many in the community wondering how such an event could occur, particularly within a family dynamic.

The case has also sparked discussions about anger management, the dangers of unchecked rage, and the impact of domestic disputes. Local advocacy groups are calling for better conflict resolution programs, particularly for families, to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Broader Implications: Domestic Disputes and Violence in Florida

Jammacar Gayle’s actions are a tragic example of how domestic disputes and interpersonal conflicts can escalate into violence. Florida has long had a problematic relationship with violent crime, particularly when it comes to incidents involving domestic violence and weapons.

According to data from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the state consistently ranks among the top ten in the U.S. for violent crimes, including aggravated assault and battery. Domestic violence is a significant factor in these statistics, and incidents like Gayle’s stabbing attack serve as stark reminders of the risks involved in unresolved conflicts, especially when weapons are present.

In light of this case, local lawmakers and advocacy organizations are calling for stronger intervention programs for families at risk of domestic violence. Programs that focus on anger management, mediation, and conflict resolution could play a crucial role in preventing future violent incidents.

Conclusion: A Tragic Reminder of the Dangers of Escalating Disputes

Jammacar Gayle’s 12-year prison sentence serves as a sobering reminder of how quickly a simple argument can spiral out of control into a life-altering incident. The loss of the victim’s safety and the trauma caused by the attack reflect the dangers of unresolved conflict in the family dynamic.

As the case continues to unfold through appeals and legal discussions, the community remains focused on the survivor’s recovery and the lasting impact of this tragic incident. For Gayle, his actions will have consequences that will affect not just his own life but the lives of the victim and their families. Moving forward, the hope is that this case will prompt discussions on better conflict resolution practices and greater attention to the risks of violence in everyday interactions.