Florida Driver Accused of Executing Fishing Boat Captain in Road Rage Shooting After Minor Traffic Dispute

SANFORD, Florida — A 25-year-old Florida man is facing a first-degree murder indictment after police say he chased down and executed a fishing boat captain in a shocking road rage incident.

The suspect, Jaden Alexander Harris, was initially charged with second-degree murder but a grand jury upgraded the charge after reviewing evidence in the killing of 43-year-old Joseph Morris Hall, a well-known boat captain from Key Largo.

Road Rage Escalates Into Deadly Shooting

The confrontation unfolded around 5:30 p.m. on August 14 at the Vue on Lake Monroe apartment complex in Sanford.

Police say Harris and Hall became entangled in a traffic dispute. Witnesses reported hearing the men arguing, followed by gunfire.

Hall tried to run to his Jeep, but Harris allegedly chased him down and fired five to six more shots, striking him fatally. Hall was unarmed at the time.

Suspect Claimed Victim “Blocked Him In”

When officers arrived, Harris was still at the scene. He allegedly told them: “I had to because he was blocking me in.”

But detectives determined Harris had multiple opportunities to disengage and that his actions were aggressive, not defensive.

Sanford Police Chief Cecil Smith condemned the killing: “A simple choice to drive away by Harris could have prevented this tragedy and made all the difference for everyone that Joseph left behind. No one should lose their life over a minor traffic infraction.”

Victim Remembered as Community Leader

Hall’s obituary described him as a respected fishing boat captain who started his career as a mate with the Sailors Choice Party Fishing Boat Company before expanding into sport fishing charters with his business Angler’s Choice in Key Largo.

“Through hard work and vision, he expanded his business and built not only a livelihood but also a legacy within the Key Largo community,” his obituary read.

Harris remains jailed in Seminole County awaiting trial. If convicted, he faces life in prison or the death penalty.

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