Update – The Marion County Sheriff’s Office has announced the arrest of Roderick Kelvin Watson Jr. in connection to a homicide near North Marion Middle School. The victim, Joseph James Juarez Coles, was found suffering from gunshot wounds and succumbed to his injuries.
Witnesses reportedly told MCSO that Watson produced a gun and shot the victim multiple times before punching him as he was unconscious on the ground. Deputies reached the scene where they found Watson sitting on a bench near the victim. Watson surrendered peacefully and told deputies it was self-defense.
He is charged with Murder in the Second Degree with a Firearm.
Original – The Marion County Sheriff’s Office is investigating following a shooting at North Marion Middle School. MCSO reports that deputies are on the scene of a shooting incident at the middle school.
One adult male was transported to an area hospital. MCSO has taken another man into custody. MCSO detectives do not believe there is any danger to the public at this time.
The scheduled awards ceremony at the school has been canceled.
Jay Skelton is an independent crime journalist with a passion for covering the uncovered and the under covered.