Family and Friends Demand Justice for JM Feeney

BRADENTON, Fla. — A vigil took place on Wednesday to honor a Manatee High School student who lost his life to gun violence last year.

Jann Michael “JM” Feeney was only 17 when he was fatally shot in the backyard of a residence at 5912 8th Ave. Dr. W. in March 2024.

As detailed in a probable cause affidavit from the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, Carter Layne, also 17, was reportedly playing with a firearm he claimed was unloaded when it discharged, resulting in Feeney’s death.

Layne has been charged as an adult with manslaughter with a weapon (firearm) and recently entered a no contest plea. His sentencing is slated for next month, and during the vigil, those who knew Feeney called for justice.

“JM was incredibly kind. That JM smile was unlike any other,” shared Julian Smith, who wrestled alongside him at Manatee High.

“He was full of energy, electric,” noted Feeney’s wrestling coach, Andrew Gugliemini.

“He brought joy to my day every day,” recalled Feeney’s neighbor, Nancy Ambrose. “He had the most beautiful hair imaginable, and he would come out of the garage countless times a day, flipping that hair.”

These were just a few memories of Feeney shared near Manatee County’s historic courthouse. Gugliemini mentioned that this loss remains deeply painful.

“I found myself in tears on the way here,” Gugliemini expressed. “Something reminds me of him, and I just can’t help but feel emotional. I wish I were here to see him instead of participating in this.”

Many attendees donned matching green t-shirts advocating for “Justice for JM.”

“In my mind, true justice will never be served because we can’t bring JM back,” expressed Ambrose. “But seeing Carter Layne in handcuffs leaving the courtroom feels like a small step toward justice, as he’s now unable to endanger anyone else.”

Ambrose urged participants to write letters to the judge regarding the case.

“There is a possibility he could receive youth offender status. He qualifies for it. However, given the seriousness of the crime, we believe he should not receive youthful offender status,” she commented.

Layne’s sentencing is set for September 24.

“I empathize with the Layne family as well,” Ambrose remarked. “There are no winners in this situation. It’s heartbreaking for everyone involved, especially for our community, as JM played such a vital role.”

Ambrose also encouraged parents to discuss gun safety with their children and advised young people to remove themselves from any scenario where a firearm is present.