JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A Jacksonville man was sentenced to a mandatory 20 years in prison for firing a gun toward his child's mother in July 2013, according to the State Attorney's Office.
Eric Patrick Wright, 25, was convicted of aggravated assault in July.
Recommended Videos
The State Attorney's Office said back in 2013, the woman went to Wright's home on Darlington Drive in Northwest Jacksonville. Wright became angry and started arguing with her, prosecutors said.
During the altercation, Wright pushed her out of the house, according to investigators. The argument continued until Wright pulled out his gun and fired a shot toward the woman, in front of their child, the State Attorney's Office said.
Wright's attorney said that's not what happened. Sheldon Vann issued a statement saying Wright did not start an argument with the alleged victim and did not shoot a gun at her.
Vann said the alleged victim admitted she hacked into Wright's email account to find out where he was living. The attorney said the alleged victim then showed up that morning at Wright's fiancee's house, pretending to be looking for their son, who was visiting Wright over July 4th weekend.
Vann said the alleged victim really wanted to know who Wright's fiancee was and she created a scene.
The attorney said Wright asked her if she wanted their son back and she said no and left.
Vann said Wright decided to leave with his son and went to his mother's house. The attorney said the woman then showed up at that home and walked in without knocking.
The attorney said Wright pushed her out the door and told her not to come in without knocking, but she pushed her way back in and he pushed her back out.
She stayed outside but refused to leave and verbally abused Wright, according to Vann.
Wright's mother came out and was standing between them, the attorney said.
Wright fired a gun at the ground away from his mother and his child's mother, according to Vann.
Wright's attorney said his client did not have a record and was never in trouble before this incident.
Florida law carries a minimum mandatory 20 years for firing a gun.