An anonymous tip recently led to the arrest of a 21-year-old murder suspect who was wanted by Ocala police in connection with the fatal shooting of another man outside a local Burger King in November.
On Friday morning, the anonymous Crime Stoppers tip led Marion County Sheriff’s Office deputies to a residence in the 3700 block of NE 40th Place, where they located Jaylin Robert Johnson. He was placed under arrest and transported to Marion County Jail.
Earlier this week, an arrest warrant had been issued for Johnson in connection with 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.
On the day of the shooting, Ocala Police Department officers responded to the Burger King and learned that the victim, Valliant, was shot during an altercation that occurred in the 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, 29-year-old Kevin Latrell Coleman and 34-year-old Tulana Joshua, were arrested for tampering with evidence in connection with the homicide case.
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 on social media that 21-year-old David Smith III has been arrested on a murder charge in connection with the fatal shooting at Burger King.
In a statement released on Friday, January 5, 2024, OPD provided further details regarding the case. “Our investigation into this homicide has led us to the conclusion that Jaylin Johnson and David Smith (arrested on Dec. 22) were responsible for the murder of Jose Valliant.”
According to Ocala police, Johnson and Smith were part of a “prearranged drug deal” in the Burger King parking lot. During that drug deal, the victim was shot and killed.
Johnson and Smith are both facing third-degree murder charges. They are both currently being held at Marion County Jail without bond.
“The Ocala Police Department is committed to upholding the law and ensuring that justice is served,” stated OPD in a social media post on Friday morning. “Our hearts go out to the family of Jose Valliant during this difficult time.”
In an effort to keep Ocala and Marion County safe, OPD is reminding residents that “if you see something, say something!”
If you have any information about a crime or the location of a wanted suspect, the Ocala Police Department encourages you to submit an anonymous tip to the Crime Stoppers of Marion County by calling 352-368-STOP(7867) or clicking 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 of up to $3,000.