Left: Jaden Harris (Sanford police). Right: Joseph Hall (Allen-Beyer Funeral Home).
A 25-year-old Florida man murdered a fishing boat captain during a road rage incident, according to authorities.
Jaden Alexander Harris has been charged with first-degree murder for the killing of 43-year-old Joseph Morris Hall in Sanford. Initially, Harris faced a second-degree murder accusation, but a grand jury has now elevated the charge to a more severe level.
Sanford police responded to a call about a shooting at the Vue on Lake Monroe apartment complex at around 5:30 p.m. on August 14, as per the arrest report accessed by Law&Crime.
Upon their arrival, officers discovered Hall “bleeding profusely and unresponsive.” Hall was quickly transported to a hospital where he was declared dead. Officers also encountered Harris in the apartment complex’s parking lot. According to the report, Harris approached the officers with his hands raised, and was questioned if he had shot Hall.
“I had to because he was blocking me in,” Harris allegedly said.
Witnesses recounted hearing an argument between two men, followed by at least one gunshot. They then observed Hall attempting to escape from Harris toward his Jeep. Witnesses stated that Harris pursued Hall and fired an additional five or six shots. Police noted that Hall was unarmed.
During an interview with detectives, post-Miranda rights, Harris explained that he was driving when he encountered Hall’s vehicle. Harris claimed Hall was driving slowly, prompting him to try and overtake. Harris noted that Hall nearly collided with him, leading to Harris wanting to photograph Hall’s license plate. At a stop sign, Hall reportedly rolled down his window and insulted Harris.
The arrest report further indicates that Harris asserted he was still trying to get a picture of Hall’s license plate, thus continuing to follow him into the apartment complex’s parking lot. Harris alleged that Hall blocked his exit. He claimed to have shot Hall when Hall lunged at him, but then invoked his right to legal counsel when asked by detectives for further details.
Detectives determined they should arrest Harris because he was “aggressively following” Hall to get his license plate information “without reason.” They noted the defendant had “several opportunities to disengage” from Hall but chose not to do so. Harris also never indicated to investigators that he was ever in fear for his life.
Cops arrested him and took him to the Seminole County jail, where he remains as of Tuesday.
Sanford Police Chief Cecil Smith said the incident was entirely avoidable.
“Harris had several opportunities to drive away from the incident as he followed Joseph, who was attempting to drive away,” Smith said in a statement. “Yet, Harris continued to follow Joseph unnecessarily, which ultimately led to Harris killing Joseph. 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.”
According to his obituary, Hall started out as a mate with the Sailors Choice Party Fishing Boat company in Key Largo. He eventually became the owner, and later launched a division focused on sport fishing private charters.
“Through hard work and vision, he expanded his business and opened Angler’s Choice, building not only a livelihood but also a legacy within the Key Largo community,” the obituary said.
