A Marion County man is dead, and another is in custody, after a shooting just outside of North Marion Middle School, according to the Marion County Sheriff’s Office.Deputies identified the victim as Joseph Coles. Coles’ father, Jesus Artacho, spoke to WESH 2’s Spencer Tracy exclusively about his son’s death and how he hopes for justice. Artacho says his son was shot to death in front of his four children. “The bullet went to my son, not just one time, but multiple times. Then the man just wanted to physically start beating on my son,” said Artacho.The suspect, 34-year-old Roderick Kelvin Watson Jr., was taken into custody and booked into jail, according to records from the Marion County Sheriff’s Office. The Marion County Sheriff’s Office says Watson and Coles were arguing in the parking lot when Watson pulled out a gun and shot Coles, who was unarmed. Investigators say Coles fell to the ground, then Watson started punching him while he was unconscious.Artacho says before the shooting, his son was talking to his ex-wife in the parking lot. He was asking her if one of his other kids could go home with him. Artacho says Watson is in a relationship with Coles’ ex-wife. “What about the kids and the sacrifice they are going to go through now, knowing that their dad is gone, and that they seen this happen,” said Artacho. Deputies found Watson sitting on a bench nearby. According to MCSO, he said he fired in self-defense. Friday morning, a judge ordered Watson to be held without bond. He also told Watson that if he does eventually get released from jail, he is not allowed to contact the mother of Coles’ children. “I literally just want justice for my baby, that’s what it all comes down to,” said Artacho.Law enforcement presence will be expected during the last days of school, according to deputies.Artacho says his family and grandchildren deserve justice. The family created a GoFundMe for Cole’s children and his funeral arrangements. https://www.gofundme.com/f/funds-for-josephs-family-after-tragic-loss?attribution_id=sl:1065d890-e134-43e5-8447-af24527d42c2&utm_campaign=man_sharesheet_ft&utm_medium=customer&utm_source=facebook
A Marion County man is dead, and another is in custody, after a shooting just outside of North Marion Middle School, according to the Marion County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies identified the victim as Joseph Coles. Coles’ father, Jesus Artacho, spoke to WESH 2’s Spencer Tracy exclusively about his son’s death and how he hopes for justice.
Artacho says his son was shot to death in front of his four children.
“The bullet went to my son, not just one time, but multiple times. Then the man just wanted to physically start beating on my son,” said Artacho.
The suspect, 34-year-old Roderick Kelvin Watson Jr., was taken into custody and booked into jail, according to records from the Marion County Sheriff’s Office.
The Marion County Sheriff’s Office says Watson and Coles were arguing in the parking lot when Watson pulled out a gun and shot Coles, who was unarmed. Investigators say Coles fell to the ground, then Watson started punching him while he was unconscious.
Artacho says before the shooting, his son was talking to his ex-wife in the parking lot. He was asking her if one of his other kids could go home with him. Artacho says Watson is in a relationship with Coles’ ex-wife.
“What about the kids and the sacrifice they are going to go through now, knowing that their dad is gone, and that they seen this happen,” said Artacho.
Deputies found Watson sitting on a bench nearby. According to MCSO, he said he fired in self-defense.
Friday morning, a judge ordered Watson to be held without bond. He also told Watson that if he does eventually get released from jail, he is not allowed to contact the mother of Coles’ children.
“I literally just want justice for my baby, that’s what it all comes down to,” said Artacho.
Law enforcement presence will be expected during the last days of school, according to deputies.
Artacho says his family and grandchildren deserve justice. The family created a GoFundMe for Cole’s children and his funeral arrangements.
