JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — On Thursday, the loved ones of Joe Starkey, a cherished figure in Jacksonville’s music community, spoke out publicly for the first time since he was fatally shot earlier this month.

Authorities from the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office reported that Starkey was killed on Wednesday, December 10, during an apparent road rage incident. Although a suspect has come forward and surrendered to the police, there have yet to be any arrests or formal charges, leaving the family in a state of uncertainty and frustration.

The Starkey family expressed their deep confusion and pain over the lack of progress in the investigation, as they continue to seek justice for Joe.

“He robbed me of my husband, stole a father from his child… Joe had plans for the holidays and was full of excitement, and this individual shattered all of that,” Tina Starkey, Joe’s wife, shared emotionally.

Both Tina and their son, Damien, are grappling with their profound loss as they try to come to terms with the sudden absence of Joe in their lives.

For decades, Starkey was a familiar face and sound in the local music scene. He was known as a guitarist, vocalist, producer, and sound engineer.

According to family attorney John Phillips, Starkey and his wife were driving home after a night out at a restaurant when they noticed a Jeep swerving and driving erratically. Phillips said Starkey attempted to avoid the vehicle, but Phillips said the driver aggressively passed them and slammed on his brakes.

Phillips said the Jeep continued following and harassing the couple as they drove home. Before making his final turn, Phillips said Starkey pulled over and got out of his car on St. Johns Bluff Road South.

“Joe got out of his car in part to protect his wife… in part to just say ‘hey, what the heck, what’s so urgent, why are you putting us in danger?’ Before those words could be uttered, the man in the Jeep shot him,” Phillips said.

“This guy just shot him. Just shot him, and then I was trying to stop the bleeding,” Tina said.

Phillips said Starkey was unarmed at the time of the shooting. He also said no surveillance footage captured the shooting. 

The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office said the suspected shooter turned himself in. After interviews with homicide detectives, the man was released. No arrests have been made, and no charges have been filed.

Phillips said the formerly suspected shooter is claiming self-defense under Florida’s Stand Your Ground law, which allows the use of deadly force in certain situations.

“Makes me feel like the potential of him getting away with it has grown,” said Damien Starkey.

The family said they are still searching for answers.

“It’s scary for our family because we just have nothing to go on other than… my dad is dead,” Damien Starkey said.

The family said they hope a suspect will eventually be arrested and charged. They are asking the public to come forward if they have any more information. 

The State Attorney’s Office declined to comment at this time, citing the case as an active investigation.