Security guard at illegal gambling room arrested for murder after shooting leaves patron dead
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. January 17th, 2024— A newly obtained arrest report shows the events leading up to a deadly shooting in December outside an apparent illegal gambling business in Brentwood.
Earl Coleman, 61, faces charges of second-degree murder and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon in connection to the shooting, according to the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office.
Coleman’s arrest report states that officers were initially notified of the shooting on Dec. 23 after receiving reports that an individual showed up to UF Health suffering from a gunshot wound.
When officers arrived, they learned the victim, identified as 23-year-old Martaiz McGruder, had driven himself to the hospital and was later pronounced dead.
The report states officers were able to identify 4006 Main Street as the initial location of the shooting and went to further investigate the victim’s death.
When crews arrived, they discovered the business was an illegal gambling institution, according to the report.
The report states Coleman was working as a security guard at the business when McGruder got into an altercation with the business owner.
During the struggle, police said McGruder stole a large roll of cash from the owner, who told police the amount totaled approximately $5,000.
The report states that the manager feared for his safety and called for help from Coleman.
After the altercation, police said McGruder then ran outside the business and Coleman followed.
McGruder fled the business in a silver sedan, the report states, and Coleman fired shots at the vehicle from the business parking lot. Police later located three shell casings in the parking lot.
The report states that McGruder was not armed with any weapons at the time of the incident.
Investigators spoke with several witnesses who positively identified Coleman and McGruder as the individuals involved through photographs.
Coleman was arrested on Friday and remains in custody on no bond. His next court date is set for Feb. 5 at 9 a.m.
