On Sunday, October 8, 2023, in Deltona, Florida, an incident over marijuana sharing escalated to a fatal confrontation.
Joseph McDonald, 31, allegedly reacted violently when denied a chance to join a smoking session at his own home.
The victim, a 21-year-old whose identity has not been disclosed by authorities, had come to the house seeking McDonald’s brother, not intending to socialize with McDonald. An argument ensued after McDonald expressed discontent at not being offered to participate in sharing a joint and stabbed the young visitor.
Photographs from the arrest show McDonald with his hands raised above his head as the Volusia Sheriff’s Office took him into custody. In released video footage, officers, along with K-9 units, apprehended McDonald around 1 pm.
The dramatic capture, aided by helicopters, located McDonald hiding in brush some three miles from where the alleged murder occurred. Upon his arrest, officers observed that McDonald’s hand was bleeding and appeared to be wrapped in a rag. He was transported to a hospital in Sanford for treatment. Medical officials there surmised that his injuries were consistent with a cut from a sharp object.
Further details revealed McDonald had been residing at that address for only a few months before the incident. It was also reported that he had been grappling with mental health challenges for several years.
The Volusia County authorities have confirmed that McDonald is being detained without bond. He faces a first-degree murder charge in relation to the incident.
