Release from Alachua County Sheriff’s Office

NEWBERRY, Fla. – On Sunday, May 25, 2025, close to 11:40 a.m., the Combined Communications Center was alerted through numerous 911 calls about a shooting incident at 25721 NW 7th Place in Newberry.

Deputies quickly reacted, with the first two officers reaching the location at 11:44 a.m.—a swift four minutes after the report was made. These officers commenced life-saving efforts on the victim, a 44-year-old male identified as Harley Van Leer. Other deputies started questioning witnesses, who informed them that the suspect, 19-year-old David Martin Jr., had escaped on foot.

Click here for Alachua Chronicle’s article about David Martin’s arrest.

Emergency medical teams from the Newberry Fire Department and Alachua County Fire Rescue arrived on the scene to continue assisting Mr. Van Leer. He was then taken to the UF Health Trauma Center, but unfortunately, his injuries were fatal.

While on scene, Deputies were approached by Mr. Martin, who admitted to being responsible for the shooting. He was immediately detained and secured in a patrol vehicle pending the arrival of Detectives.

During the investigation, an eyewitness reported seeing Mr. Martin run toward the backyard of a nearby duplex, where he appeared to conceal a firearm inside a propane grill. The firearm was located and collected by Crime Scene Investigators.

Following an interview with Detectives, Mr. Martin was arrested and charged with one count of Carrying a Concealed Firearm and one count of Tampering with Evidence.

This investigation remains in its early stages. While Deputies, Detectives, and Crime Scene Investigators have interviewed several witnesses and gathered substantial evidence, many questions remain. Our Detectives are committed to thoroughly examining all aspects of this case to determine the circumstances that led to the tragic death of Mr. Van Leer.

The Alachua County Sheriff’s Office extends its deepest condolences to Mr. Van Leer’s family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.

Anyone with information related to this incident is urged to contact the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division at 352-367-4170 or remain anonymous by calling Crime Stoppers at 352-372-7867.