Middle School Shooting During Awards Ceremony Leaves 1 Dead

As middle school students in Marion County celebrated a successful year Wednesday, the parking lot right outside turned into the scene of a deadly shooting.

North Marion Middle School, in Citra, was hosting an awards ceremony for the children on Wednesday when an argument erupted between the shooter and victim, the Marion County Sheriff’s Office explained in a Facebook post.

Witnesses told investigators Roderick Watson, Jr., and Joseph Coles were arguing with each other when Watson pulled out a gun. According to the Sheriff’s Office, Watson allegedly shot Coles before starting to punch his unconscious victim.

“A senseless homicide is always upsetting to each of us,” Sheriff Billy Woods wrote. “But, in this instance, it is 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.”

Following the shooting, Watson went over and sat on a nearby bench where deputies found him and the suspected shooter surrendered peacefully, the Sheriff’s Office continued. Watson claimed the shooting was in self-defense, but investigators stated the evidence and witness statements contradicted his assertion.

Coles was taken to a nearby hospital where he was pronounced dead, according to the statement.

Watson was booked into the Marion County jail on a count of second-degree murder with a firearm. He is being held without bond.