Joseph James Coles : Ocala Man Allegedly Shot Fiancee’s Ex Over Custody Dispute

Accident – Death – Obituary News : : 1. Ocala custody dispute shooting
2. Fiancee’s ex killed in school parking lot

Law enforcement authorities have released a report detailing the arrest of a 34-year-old Ocala man who is accused of fatally shooting the father of two of his fiancée’s children in the car park of a Marion County middle school. The fatal shooting occurred shortly after 6 p.m. on Wednesday, May 22, in the car park of North Marion Middle School located at 2085 W Highway 329 in Citra. Marion County Sheriff’s Office deputies were dispatched to the school after receiving reports of a shooting. The victim, 32-year-old Joseph James Coles, later succumbed to his injuries, and the suspected shooter, Roderick Kelvin Watson, Jr., is currently being held without bond.

Law enforcement authorities have released a report detailing the arrest of a 34-year-old Ocala man who is accused of fatally shooting the father of two of his fiancée’s children in the parking lot of a Marion County middle school.

**Details of the Shooting at North Marion Middle School**

The fatal shooting took place in the parking lot of North Marion Middle School located at 2085 W Highway 329 in Citra. Marion County Sheriff’s Office deputies were dispatched to the school after receiving reports of a shooting. Upon arrival, deputies located a man, identified as 32-year-old Joseph James Coles, who had sustained multiple gunshot wounds, according to MCSO. The victim was transported to a local hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries.

**Arrest of the Suspected Shooter**

The arrest report stated that the victim was found in the school’s northwest parking lot, just west of the cafeteria. At the time of the shooting, the middle school was hosting an awards ceremony that was attended by dozens of parents and children. Deputies located the suspected shooter, identified as Roderick Kelvin Watson, Jr., sitting on a nearby bench, and he was detained in handcuffs without incident. Watson admitted to deputies that he was the shooter and revealed the location of the firearm in his vehicle.

**Sequence of Events Leading to the Shooting**

Witnesses recounted that Watson had a confrontation with the victim in the school’s parking lot. During the argument, Watson allegedly shot the victim multiple times and proceeded to punch him while he was unconscious on the ground. Watson’s fiancée, who was present at the scene, revealed that she was previously in a relationship with the victim and they shared two children who were students at the middle school.

**Discovery of Evidence and Injuries**

Deputies discovered six spent 9mm handgun shell casings in the parking lot, along with a silver handgun inside Watson’s vehicle. The victim sustained six gunshot wounds to various parts of his body. Watson had suspected blood on his clothing and fresh injuries on his knuckles and knees, indicating a physical altercation.

**Legal Proceedings and Sheriff’s Statement**

Watson claimed the shooting was in self-defense, but witness statements and evidence contradicted his claim. He has been charged with second-degree murder with a firearm and is currently held without bond at Marion County Jail. Sheriff Billy Woods expressed his dismay over the incident and commended the detectives for their swift action in apprehending the suspect.

**Conclusion**

The shooting at North Marion Middle School has left the community in shock, especially as it occurred during an awards ceremony attended by children. The swift response of law enforcement and the arrest of the suspect provide some measure of closure to the tragic event. The legal proceedings will determine the outcome of this senseless act of violence.