A 32-year-old man has been arrested and charged with murder, more than three months after a male victim was fatally shot in Sanford.
Back on Sunday, June 8, shortly before 6:30 p.m., Sanford Police Department officers responded to HCA Lake Monroe Hospital in reference to a male victim, later identified as 21-year-old Christopher Lamar Houston, who had sustained several gunshot wounds, according to SPD.
Officers were informed that the shooting had occurred near the intersection of 12th Street and Pecan Avenue in Sanford, and they responded to the area to conduct an investigation.
Shortly after officers arrived at the incident location, SPD was contacted by a man, identified as Jocquise Lavarsea Jarrells, who claimed that he had shot the victim in self-defense, according to police.
However, SPD stated that its investigators were unable to substantiate Jarrells’ claim of self-defense. Specifically, police stated that his claims were “contradicted by witness testimony and evidence on scene, which revealed that (the victim) was not a threat to Jarrells during this incident.”
On Wednesday, September 17, a warrant was issued for Jarrells’ arrest. Later that same day, Jarrells was located by law enforcement, placed under arrest, and booked into Seminole County Jail.
Jarrells is being charged with first-degree premeditated homicide.
Investigators are asking anyone with information regarding this fatal shooting to contact the Sanford Police Department at 407-688-5070. Anonymous tips can also be provided by calling 1-800-423-TIPS(8477).