CITRA, Fla. – A 32-year-old man was shot and killed on Wednesday evening during an argument at a middle school in Marion County, according to sheriff’s officials.
Roderick Kelvin Watson Jr., 34, was arrested in the death of 32-year-old Joseph James Juarez Coles at North Marion Middle School in Citra.
According to the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, Watson and Coles got into an argument in the parking lot while there was a student awards ceremony going on inside the school.
Deputies said Watson shot Coles multiple times and then punched him repeatedly while he was unconscious on the ground.
The sheriff’s office said Watson was found on a bench near the victim and claimed the shooting was in self-defense, but “evidence and witness statements contradicted his claim.”
Coles was taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
“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,” Marion County Sheriff Billy Woods said in a news release.
Watson faces a charge of murder in the second-degree with a firearm.
No students were involved or injured in the incident.
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