State Attorney Ed Brodsky announced today that Trae Ward was sentenced to fifty (50) years in Florida State Prison for the Second Degree Murder of Reginald Graves.

Graves and Ward were related through family. Ward’s sister was in in a romantic relationship with Graves and the two had a child together.

On May 1, 2025, Graves and Ward’s sister had an argument after which Ward confronted Graves with a firearm as Graves and Graves’ mother sat outside her home. After a brief exchange, Graves retreated inside the home, thereupon Ward followed Graves and fatally shot him.

The case was investigated by the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office.

Had the case gone to trial, Ward faced a sentence of life in prison. Instead, he agreed to accept a negotiated plea of fifty (50) years in prison for the murder and other related charges.

The family of Reginald Graves attended the plea and sentencing and several family members, including the victim’s mother and daughter, spoke of their loss.

The lead prosecutor in the case, Assistant State Attorney William Greiner commented, “None of us make good decisions when we allow anger to get the best of us. Ward allowed an insignificant disagreement to spin out of control with fatal consequences for the victim, lifelong consequences for the two respective families, and the loss of his own freedom for what will likely be the remainder of his days.”

If you have any questions or would like further information please contact Assistant State Attorney William Greiner in the Sarasota County office at 941-861-4400.