Joseph James Juarez Coles : Man Kills Ex in Custody Battle

CITRA, Fla. – A 34-year-old suspect, Roderick Watson, was taken into custody on Wednesday following a fatal shooting at North Marion Middle School. The incident occurred shortly after 6 p.m. amidst an awards ceremony taking place within the school premises.

Roderick Watson now faces charges of second-degree murder with a firearm in relation to the tragic events that transpired at the school. He is currently held without bond at the Marion County Jail, as confirmed by the Marion County Sheriff’s Office.

The victim of the shooting has been identified as 32-year-old Joseph James Juarez Coles.

Roderick Watson was arrested and charged with second-degree murder with a firearm on May 22, 2024. (Photo: Marion County Sheriff’s Office)

According to an arrest affidavit, both Watson and Juarez Coles were present at the school’s end-of-year ceremony. Watson accompanied his fiancée, who is also the mother of Juarez Coles’ three children, two of whom are students at North Marion Middle School.

The altercation arose in the parking lot as the trio attempted to navigate a custody arrangement for the children. Juarez Coles expressed his desire to take the kids with him, but their mother insisted that they stay with her until the end of the school year, which was just days away.

Tensions escalated, leading to a verbal dispute witnessed by onlookers.

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Eyewitnesses reported hearing a gunshot, prompting panic as Watson allegedly shot Juarez Coles multiple times in close proximity. The chaotic scene unfolded in front of parents, children, and school staff.

A 16-year-old eyewitness recounted seeing Watson pursue Juarez Coles and fatally shoot him at close range after seizing him by the neck. Another parent, who chose to remain anonymous, described the harrowing experience of fleeing with her children to safety amid the gunfire.

Marion County Public Schools assured that no students were involved in the tragic incident, seeking to provide reassurance to concerned parents and guardians.

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Subsequently, Watson reportedly continued to assault Juarez Coles even after the victim had fallen unconscious, exhibiting a callous disregard for human life. Authorities noted that Watson displayed signs of satisfaction and lack of remorse following the violent act.

Despite efforts to save him, Juarez Coles succumbed to his injuries at a local hospital. Reports reveal that he sustained multiple gunshot wounds across his body, indicating the severity of the attack.

In a chilling revelation, Watson allegedly confessed to the shooting to a school counselor and later to law enforcement officials. Despite claiming self-defense, investigators found no substantiating evidence to support Watson’s claim.

Furthermore, authorities highlighted Watson’s reckless actions and disregard for public safety, as the incident unfolded in the presence of numerous parents and children.

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In response to the tragic events, Marion County Sheriff Billy Woods expressed profound dismay over the senseless act of violence that marred what should have been a celebratory occasion for the school community. He commended the swift actions of law enforcement in apprehending the suspect.

Marion County Sheriff’s Office Lt. Paul Bloom assured the public of heightened security measures at the school in the coming days, ensuring the safety of students and staff as the academic year draws to a close.