3 arrested in fatal shooting of man in Sarasota first staged it as self-defense

SARASOTA -- Three people have been arrested in connection with the fatal shooting of a 35-year-old Sarasota man after having first staged it as self-defense, according to the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office.

The body of Jason W. Head was found at 8:11 p.m. March 27 lying in front of a home in the 300 block of Myakka Road, according to a news release. A firearm was found on the ground next to him.

Robert Cain, 32, is charged with second-degree murder with a firearm.

His father, James Cain, 61, is charged with being principal to second-degree murder with a firearm.

Robert Cain’s girlfriend, Racquel Pontbriand, is charged with being an accessory after the fact to second-degree murder.

All suspects are Sarasota residents being held without bond at Sarasota County jail.

James Cain called 911 to report he had shot and killed Head in self-defense after Head came onto his property in the 300 block of Myakka Road in Sarasota and began shooting at him.

Cain told deputies he returned fire and killed Head.

The following day, detectives seized three video recorders connected to surveillance cameras in front of Cain’s property during the execution of a search warrant, the release states.

When detectives reviewed the video and audio recordings, Cain and his son, Robert, were reportedly caught staging the crime scene. Father and son are heard talking near Head’s lifeless body reportedly before placing the gun in his hand, according to reports.

Pontbriand, 27, was also captured on video picking Robert Cain up and driving away afterward.

Detectives do not believe Head instigated the fatal shooting, according to the report.

The sheriff’s office said Robert Cain is classified as a prolific offender in Sarasota County because of his extensive criminal history, which includes burglary, possession of a weapon by a convicted felon and drug possession.

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

The investigation is ongoing.

Jessica DeLeon, Herald law enforcement reporter, can be reached at 941-745-7049.

This story was originally published April 7, 2016 at 11:35 PM.