Recent court filings have brought to light the use of anti-LGBTQ+ slurs and hate-filled messages allegedly connected to a neighbor now facing charges for the attempted murder of Kyle McFarlane.
In Jacksonville, Florida, a distressing incident has prompted LGBTQ+ advocates to demand justice, following a shooting that left a local man seriously injured. Kyle McFarlane, a resident of Green Street in the city’s Murray Hill area, was shot on November 22 and now suffers partial paralysis from the attack.
According to the arrest report from the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, the confrontation began when McFarlane was gathering discarded furniture near his home to use for a bonfire. It was then that his neighbors reportedly emerged and accused him of trespassing, leading to a heated exchange.
Investigators report that during the argument, the female neighbor approached McFarlane with a belt. It was then, authorities say, that her boyfriend, Tyler Getchell, allegedly fired a gun, striking McFarlane in the back.
A video reviewed by police appears to support McFarlane’s claim, showing him standing on the easement rather than his neighbors’ property, which contradicts their accusations. The incident has sparked community outrage and calls for accountability, with advocates emphasizing the need for justice in what they view as a hate-motivated crime.
A police report states that video provided to officers shows McFarlane standing on the easement, not on his neighbors’ property, during the confrontation.
McFarlane survived but is now partially paralyzed and faces a long recovery, including intensive medical care and rehabilitation, advocates say. They also say he cannot work for the foreseeable future. A GoFundMe has since been created.
Court records and McFarlane’s supporters point to what they describe as earlier incidents between the neighbors, including signs with anti-LGBTQ+ language posted facing McFarlane’s home and feces smeared on his walls.
Echo Nova, an LGBTQ+ advocate, said the shooting capped what they view as a pattern of targeted hostility.
“This is an escalation of a series of hate attacks on Kyle and his home,” Nova said. “When you attack one of us, you attack all of us.”
Nova and other advocates are urging prosecutors to take a closer look at the case and consider additional charges. They argue the circumstances should be examined as a possible hate-motivated crime.
“This is quite a blatant hate crime itself,” Nova said. “There is no reason to be hateful toward people, no matter their sexuality, their gender, their religious denomination, their nationality, their economic standing. There’s no need for hate, and there’s no need to act on that hate in such violent measures either. The community is here standing with Kyle.”
Getchell is charged with attempted murder and is being held in the Duval County Jail. His girlfriend has not been charged at this time.
We have reached out to the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office to ask whether investigators are treating the incident as a potential hate crime.
The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office said they are investigating the shooting, and the determination on whether or not it’s a hate crime based on Florida State Statute would come later.
Getchell’s next court appearance is scheduled for Dec. 16 at 9 a.m.
