A 21-year-old murder suspect is wanted by Ocala police in connection with the fatal shooting of another man outside a local Burger King in November.
On Tuesday, January 2, 2024, the Ocala Police Department announced that an arrest warrant has been issued for Jaylin Robert Johnson. He is wanted by police for the murder of 28-year-old Jose Valliant, which occurred on November 3, 2023, in the parking lot of the Burger King located at 2301 E Silver Springs Boulevard.
No further details were provided by police regarding Johnson’s alleged involvement in the homicide.
If you know Johnson’s current whereabouts, the Ocala Police Department asks that you call Detective Diesso at 352-369-7000.
Anyone wishing to remain anonymous can call the Crime Stoppers of Marion County at 352-368-STOP(7867) or click here to submit an online tip. If you use Crime Stoppers and your tip leads to an arrest, you may be eligible for a cash reward up to $3,000.
On the day of the shooting, OPD officers responded to the incident location and learned that the victim, Valliant, was shot during an altercation that occurred in the fast-food restaurant’s parking lot. The victim then got inside an individual’s vehicle and was taken to HCA Florida Maricamp Emergency, where he was pronounced deceased.
A few days after the shooting, OPD stated in a social media post that two individuals from Ocala have been arrested for tampering with evidence in connection with the case: 29-year-old Kevin Latrell Coleman and 34-year-old Tulana Joshua.
Coleman is a convicted felon, and he was also arrested on firearm possession charges. According to jail records, he is currently being held at Marion County Jail without bond, and Joshua is being held on $5,000 bond.
“Neither of these two individuals are suspects involved in the actual shooting,” stated Ocala police.
On December 22, 2023, OPD announced in a social media post that 21-year-old David Smith III has been arrested on the charge of third-degree murder in connection with the shooting at Burger King.
OPD stated that Smith’s alleged involvement in the fatal shooting occurred shortly after a “drug deal (went) wrong.” No further details were provided by police.
At the time of his arrest, Smith was already in jail for various felony charges. Jail records show that he is scheduled to appear in court at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, January 23.