PALATKA, Fla. — A Putnam County woman was sentenced to 15 years in state prison on Friday, October 9, 2026, following a 2023 fatal shooting that stemmed from a domestic dispute in Palatka, state prosecutors announced.
Regena Daniels was sentenced by Circuit Judge Alicia Washington after entering a plea of no contest in August 2026 to a reduced charge of Manslaughter with a Weapon.
Backyard Dispute Escalates to Fatal Shooting
The fatal incident occurred on August 21, 2023, when Palatka police officers responded to reports of gunfire at a residence located on East Oak Hill Drive.
According to investigative findings, a verbal argument escalated into a physical confrontation in the home’s backyard involving Daniels, her daughter, and another woman brought to the property by Daniels’ ex-boyfriend.
Although the ex-boyfriend was present in the backyard, investigators confirmed he was not involved in the physical fight. He intervened to pull Daniels away from the other women. Following the physical separation, Daniels went inside the residence, retrieved a firearm, and returned to the backyard.
Shooting, Admission, and Prosecution
Upon returning outside, Daniels fired two shots at her ex-boyfriend, missing both times. The victim attempted to flee by moving toward the rear of the residence. Daniels then walked around to the front of the home, intercepted his escape path, and discharged a third shot, striking him.
The victim was transported to a local hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries. During subsequent interviews with Palatka Police Department detectives, Daniels admitted to shooting her ex-boyfriend and was taken into custody.
The case was investigated by the Palatka Police Department. Assistant State Attorney Alexander Gilewicz and Managing Assistant State Attorney Mark Lewis prosecuted the case on behalf of the State of Florida.