Self-defense shooting deemed murder, 3 charged

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The March 27 shooting death of a 35-year-old man, originally thought to be a case of self-defense, was actually a murder, according to the Sarasota County Sheriff's Office.

Deputies have now arrested three people in connection to the shooting of Jason Head. 

James Cain, 61, his son, Robert Cain, 32, and Robert's girlfriend, Racquel Pontbraind, 27, were arrested and face multiple charges, including second degree murder. 

Meanwhile, those who knew Jason Head can breathe a sigh of relief. 

"I loved him. He was like a son to me. It is hard to think about it without crying," said Lori Reinhardt, who works with Jason's mother at the Veterinary Center of Sarasota.

"He was the sweetest, kindest, most gentle soul, loved animals, would do anything for anybody that needed any help. He would bend over backwards," she said.

Detectives said it happened at James Cain's home on Mayakka Road in Sarasota. Cain told deputies Head came to his home and started shooting at him. That's when he returned fire, shooting and killing head.

Deputies with the Sarasota County Sheriff's office continued their investigation. Cain told detectives Jason was agitated, searching for his daughter and he had a gun.

"The story that Mr. Cain provided our detectives seemed very convincing," said Sgt. Mike Dumer.

Investigators, however, discovered surveillance cameras in the home and got a warrant for the video. They watched the video and said it shows James and Robert Cain did not kill Head out of self-defense.

When Lori heard the news on Easter, she said something didn't add up. Jason's family had been told he was dead after getting into an altercation with James Cain at his home.

"I thought something very bad had happened and it wasn't his fault. Nobody could have done that to another person. Nobody deserves that," said Reinhardt.

Sgt. Dumer said detectives checked out the surveillance system and the case cracked wide open.

"He was just under the belief they weren't recording. He even told us that night, they are there, but they don't record," said Sgt. Dumer.

"We found a very different account of what happened that evening and from all that we could see and hear because audio was present as well," he said.

The sheriff's office said the video shows an unarmed Jason Head coming up to the home and Robert Cain ultimately shooting him. Investigators said the Cains were seen and heard talking about Head's lifeless body before "putting a gun in his hand and staging a crime scene."

Meanwhile, Pontbriand was seen arriving at Cain's house, where Robert got in her car and left after Head's death. Minutes later, James Cain called 911 to report the death. 

Now that investigators have begun to answer some of the lingering questions, Jason's family is working to move on. 

"He had his trouble like everybody else, but he was working his way through it. It's just not fair," said Reinhardt.

The family is planning a celebration of life for Jason, who would have soon turned 36-years-old. It will be held May 15 at Crane Park in Mayakka City.

His family has created a GoFundMe page for his funeral costs: https://www.gofundme.com/zzxn7rxg

James Cain is charged with principal to second degree murder with a firearm and Robert Cain is charged with second degree murder with a firearm. Racquel Pontbriand is charged with accessory after the fact to second degree murder.

The sheriff's office added, "Robert Cain is a Prolific Offender in Sarasota County with an extensive criminal history to include Burglary, Possession of a Weapon by a Convicted Felon and drug possession." 

Pontbriand also has a criminal history including dealing in stolen property, theft and drug possession.

All three were held at the Sarasota County Jail without bond.