CITRA, FL (352today.com) – UPDATE, 5/23/2024: The Marion County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) says a dispute between separated parents over who would take the kids appears to be what prompted a shooting at North Marion Middle School on Wednesday evening.
The sheriff’s office has arrested 34-year-old Roderick Kelvin Watson Jr. in connection with the case.
Deputies say he shot and killed 32-year-old Joseph James Juarez Coles.
MCSO says Watson’s fiancée is the mother of the victim’s three children.
An arrest affidavit indicates all three adults were at the school for the children’s awards ceremony. The report says the cause of the shooting appears to stem from an argument between Coles and the mother of his children over who was going to take the kids after the award ceremony.
Deputies say witnesses told them Watson shot Coles, who was unarmed, multiple times and then began punching him as he lay unconscious on the ground. The report indicates investigators found six spent 9mm shell casings at the crime scene and found six entry wounds on his body after examining it.
When deputies arrived at the scene, they say Watson was sitting on a bench near the victim and surrendered peacefully. They say Watson admitted to being the shooter but later told deputies that it was self-defense.
MCSO says evidence and witness statements contradict his claim.
He has been booked into the Marion County Jail and charged with Murder in the Second Degree with a Firearm. He is being held without bond.
“A senseless homicide is always upsetting to each of us. But, in this instance, even more upsetting because we have children that have done well throughout the school year and are there to receive awards when an adult chose to set the worst example and commit such a violent act nearby,” said Sheriff Billy Woods. “I immediately put every available detective on this case, and I am proud of their work in getting this disgusting individual off our streets and away from our children.”
ORIGINAL, 5/22/2024: The Marion County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) says a shooting occurred outside North Marion Middle School Wednesday evening.
Deputies say one person has died and another suspected of being involved has been taken into custody.
As of 7:30 p.m., deputies were still on the scene investigating.
A spokesman for the Marion County Public School (MCPS) system says the shooting happened in the school parking lot between two adults and emphasized that no students were involved.
The spokesperson says students and parents were inside attending an awards ceremony when the shooting occurred.
The district says the remainder of the ceremony was canceled.
Deputies say there is no danger to the public at this point.
This is a developing story. We’re continuing to gather information. Check back frequently for updates.