Fishing Captain Killed in Orlando Road Rage Incident

The Tragic Incident That Led to a Death

Joseph Hall, Jr., 43, was pronounced dead at HCA Lake Monroe Hospital in Sanford around 5:45 p.m. on Thursday night. The incident occurred just minutes earlier when witnesses reported seeing Jaden Harris, a 24-year-old man, chasing Hall at an apartment building parking lot with a handgun and shooting at him multiple times.

Harris remained at the scene and provided his account to Sanford police officers. According to his arrest report, he claimed he was driving his white BMW sedan behind Hall's Jeep Gladiator on South Mangoustine Avenue. Harris said that Hall was driving very slowly and that he passed him. Hall then allegedly acted as if he was going to use his Jeep to hit the BMW, according to the report.

Harris told police that he followed Hall to take a picture of his license plate. When they reached a stop sign at West Seminole Boulevard and Mangoustine Avenue, Hall rolled down his window and used a vulgar term referring to a female body part. Harris followed Hall as he made a left turn onto West Seminole Boulevard. Hall then pulled into an apartment complex on Marbella Lane, where Harris claimed Hall blocked the parking lot exit with his Jeep and got out of the vehicle, approaching the BMW.

According to the report, Harris informed Hall that he "had it on him," meaning he had a gun. He stated that Hall "lunged" toward the car, prompting him to fire the first shot. When the first officer arrived, they found Harris standing by his car and asked if he was the one who shot Hall. Harris responded, "I had to because he was blocking me in," as noted in the report.

After detectives asked Harris to elaborate on what was said before he opened fire, he requested an attorney, and the questioning ceased, according to the report. Based on witness statements, Harris’s account, and security camera footage from the apartment building, officers arrested him on a charge of second-degree murder. Although the footage did not capture the shooting, it showed Harris’ BMW rolling backwards before he caught up to it and put the car in park, corroborating the witnesses' accounts that he got out of the car and continued firing.

Detectives noted in the report that Harris had several opportunities to disengage from pursuing Hall but instead chose to continue. They also mentioned that Harris never stated he felt threatened during the incident. Furthermore, neither Harris nor the witnesses indicated that Hall was armed. The report clearly states, "Joseph did not cause Jaden any injury or harm to him that would justify the use of deadly force."

A judge ordered Harris to be held without bond until his scheduled Oct. 7 arraignment, according to Seminole County court records.

A Community in Mourning

News of Hall's death deeply affected the Upper Keys community. His wife, Devi, shared her grief on Facebook on Saturday, writing, "He was full of life, laughter, and love, and I am so grateful for every moment we had together."

Hall was known for his work as the owner and captain of the 65-foot Sailors Choice Party Fishing Boat and the Anglers Choice sportfishing charter boat, both based out of the mile marker 99.7 oceanside marina in Key Largo. His passing has left a void in the local fishing community.

Tributes have poured in from loyal customers, crew members, and colleagues on the Sailors Choice Facebook page. One message from the crew of the Key Largo Princess Glass Bottom Boat read, "We are so deeply sorry for your loss. Captain Joe touched the lives of many with his kindness, passion, and love for the water. He had a gift for making everyone feel welcome and for creating memories that families will cherish forever. His legacy will live on through every story, every smile, and every fish caught aboard Sailors' Choice and Angler's Choice."