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GADSDEN COUNTY, Fla. (May 9, 2025) — A Tragic Car Theft Turned Fatal in Gadsden County

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GADSDEN COUNTY, Fla. (May 9, 2025) — A Tragic Car Theft Turned Fatal in Gadsden County: Victims Identified as Marcus Lee, Jada Mitchell, and Corey Harris — Authorities Urge Public Help in Locating Vehicle Linked to Shooting Incident

Gadsden County, Florida — A heartbreaking and senseless tragedy unfolded on Friday, May 5, 2025, as three individuals, identified as Marcus Lee, Jada Mitchell, and Corey Harris, became victims of a violent crime during an attempted car theft in Gadsden County. The series of events quickly escalated into a fatal shooting, leaving one person dead and two others wounded. Authorities are now racing against time to locate a vehicle, a white Chevrolet Camaro with distinctive red stripes, which is believed to be crucial to solving the case.

The victims’ identities were revealed on Thursday by the Gadsden County Sheriff’s Office, which has since launched an intensive investigation into the crime. Marcus Lee, a 32-year-old father of two, was the fatal victim. Lee had been attempting to stop the theft of his vehicle when he was shot in the chest. Jada Mitchell, a 29-year-old nurse, and Corey Harris, a 31-year-old construction worker, were also caught in the crossfire, sustaining non-life-threatening injuries. The community is in shock, as these individuals were known to be hardworking and beloved members of their neighborhoods.

The Shooting Incident

The incident occurred late on the evening of Friday, May 5, around 11:30 p.m., outside a quiet residential area near the intersection of Piney Grove Road and Highway 90, an area known for its rural charm and tight-knit community. Authorities say that Marcus Lee had returned home from work and noticed an unfamiliar vehicle parked near his driveway. Lee, having recently purchased a new Chevrolet Camaro, suspected that the car was being targeted for theft.

According to the Gadsden County Sheriff’s Office, Lee confronted the individuals near his car. During the confrontation, shots were fired. Lee, tragically, was struck in the chest by a bullet. Jada Mitchell, who was visiting a nearby friend, and Corey Harris, who had been waiting in Lee’s garage for a ride home, heard the gunshots and rushed outside to assist. Both Mitchell and Harris were caught in the crossfire. Harris was shot in the arm, while Mitchell sustained a gunshot wound to her thigh.

Law Enforcement Response

Upon receiving multiple 911 calls reporting gunshots, Gadsden County deputies arrived at the scene within minutes. They found Marcus Lee unconscious and unresponsive in his driveway, while Mitchell and Harris were taken by ambulance to a local hospital for treatment. Despite life-saving efforts, Lee was pronounced dead at the scene.

Detectives immediately began working the case, canvassing the area for witnesses and collecting evidence. “This was a senseless and violent crime that has left a community shaken,” said Sheriff Ronald Owens in a statement. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families. We are committed to bringing justice to those responsible for this tragedy.”

Search for the White Chevrolet Camaro

One of the key pieces of evidence in the investigation is a white Chevrolet Camaro with red stripes, which detectives believe was either driven by the perpetrators or connected to the incident. Witnesses reported seeing the vehicle leaving the scene shortly after the shots were fired. Surveillance footage from nearby cameras shows a vehicle matching the description driving away at high speed. Authorities are urging the public to come forward with any information about the car, particularly its whereabouts on the night of the shooting.

Sheriff Owens emphasized the importance of community involvement in the investigation. “We know that someone out there has information about this vehicle or the individuals involved,” Owens said. “We urge anyone who may have seen the Camaro, or who may have any other details that could help us identify those responsible, to contact the Gadsden County Sheriff’s Office immediately.”

Community Reaction

The deaths of Marcus Lee and the injuries sustained by Jada Mitchell and Corey Harris have deeply affected the local community. Friends, family, and neighbors have been vocal in their grief, expressing their shock and disbelief over the senseless violence that occurred. Marcus Lee was a well-respected figure in the Gadsden County community. Friends describe him as a dedicated father and a man who would do anything for his loved ones.

“Marcus was always there for anyone who needed him,” said his longtime friend, Robert Johnson. “He worked hard to provide for his family, and he didn’t deserve this. This is a tragic loss, and we’re all still trying to process it.”

Jada Mitchell, known for her compassionate nature and her work as a nurse, was also well-known in the community. “Jada is a caring, selfless person who always put others before herself,” said her colleague, Tanya Fields. “We’re all relieved she’s recovering, but it’s hard to imagine this happening to anyone, let alone someone like her.”

Corey Harris, a construction worker who had recently moved to the area, was a good friend of Marcus Lee. “Corey was a hard worker, always smiling, always ready to help out,” said Harris’ cousin, Jason Whitaker. “It’s heartbreaking to see him caught up in something like this. He’s lucky to be alive.”

Investigating the Motive

As the investigation unfolds, law enforcement officials are working to piece together the motives behind the crime. The Sheriff’s Office has not yet released information about the suspects’ identities, but they have hinted that the car theft was likely planned. The fact that the perpetrators used a firearm to escalate the situation suggests that they were either desperate or intentionally violent.

Sheriff Owens confirmed that the investigation remains ongoing and that authorities are exploring all possible leads. “We are treating this as a priority case,” he said. “Our goal is to hold the responsible individuals accountable for their actions and ensure that justice is served.”

Gadsden County’s Crime Rate

Gadsden County, historically known for its low crime rates, has seen a recent uptick in violent incidents, particularly involving car thefts and robberies. This increase in crime has raised concerns among residents who fear for their safety. The Gadsden County Sheriff’s Office has recently increased patrols in high-risk areas in response to these crimes, but Friday’s fatal shooting has put local law enforcement under additional pressure to solve the case quickly.

“We are committed to keeping our community safe, but we need the help of the public to do so,” Sheriff Owens stated. “If you know anything about the Camaro or who might be behind this shooting, don’t hesitate to come forward.”

A Call for Justice

The loss of Marcus Lee and the suffering experienced by Jada Mitchell and Corey Harris has reignited the community’s desire for justice. Local organizations and activists have begun rallying together to support the victims’ families, as well as to demand that those responsible be apprehended and held accountable.

“We are standing with the families of Marcus, Jada, and Corey,” said local activist Sarah Cooper. “This kind of violence has no place in our community, and we will not rest until justice is served.”

The families of the victims have also issued heartfelt statements, asking for privacy as they grieve their loved ones’ loss. However, they have expressed their gratitude to the Gadsden County Sheriff’s Office and the medical staff who worked tirelessly to save their family members.

“We are devastated by what has happened to Marcus, Jada, and Corey,” said Marcus Lee’s mother, Patricia Lee. “We hope that whoever did this will be found and brought to justice.”

Reward for Information

In an effort to encourage the public to come forward with information, the Gadsden County Sheriff’s Office has announced a reward for tips that lead to the identification and arrest of the suspects involved in the shooting. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Gadsden County Sheriff’s Office at (850) 627-9233 or to submit an anonymous tip through Crime Stoppers of Gadsden County.

“We need the community’s help,” said Sheriff Owens. “Even the smallest detail could be the key to solving this case.”

A Final Goodbye

As the investigation continues, the community is coming together to remember Marcus Lee, Jada Mitchell, and Corey Harris. Memorials have been held in honor of Marcus, whose funeral is planned for next week. The Gadsden County High School football team, where Marcus had been an active supporter, held a moment of silence before their game on Friday evening.

“We are all heartbroken by the loss of Marcus,” said the team’s coach. “He was more than just a fan; he was a mentor and a friend to so many of the boys on the team. He’ll be missed, but we’ll keep his spirit alive.”

The tragic incident has left the residents of Gadsden County shaken, but it has also united them in the face of adversity. As they await justice for the victims, they are holding onto hope that the perpetrators will be caught and held accountable for their actions.

 

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