Man shot, killed in argument with family member; Daytona Beach police search for suspect

Fatal shooting happened on North Caroline Street

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – A man was shot and killed during an argument with a family member at a Daytona Beach home, according to police, marking the second shooting this week that started over a disagreement.

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The fatal shooting was reported Monday night on North Caroline Street, about a half-mile north of International Speedway Boulevard and a mile west of Ridgewood Avenue.

Police said the men, who are relatives, were engaged in an argument inside a home and it led to one shot being fired. Investigators said the victim died at the scene.

Authorities said there is an active warrant for the suspected shooter, identified by police as James Bernad Williams, 39.

As of Tuesday morning Williams was still at large, according to Daytona Beach police Chief Jakari Young.

Young said there is no connection between several recent shootings but believes the holiday season may be an additional stress factor as the area saw a similar spike in gun violence last year around the same time.

Three men were injured early Saturday morning when a fight escalated into a shooting on Martin Luther King Boulevard Jr., according to the police department.

“I don’t know what it is about the Thanksgiving week ... we get that spike in the shootings but if anything yes, the holidays, stress, Covid, everything,” Young said. “It’s a melting pot right now.”

Young said detectives found the vehicle of the suspects behind the fatal shooting of 21-year-old Chad Givens that happened Saturday night on Dr. May McLeod Bethune Boulevard and are now working on search warrants.

Crime statistic for Daytona Beach from Jan. 1 to Nov. 14 compared to the same time last year show an increase in gun violence overall.

  • 24 people shot in 2019
  • 48 people shot in 2020
  • 154 firearm offenses in 2019
  • 174 firearm offenses in 2020

“The law-abiding residents deserve better,” Young said.

Young said the department is working with the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office and is stepping up patrol in areas where there’s an increase in violence. He also said it’s important to continue working with the community.

“We want to develop these bonds, strengthen relationships so when things are going on, we can get that heads up and maybe prevent some of these incidents from happening.”

Anyone with information about his whereabouts is asked to call 386-671-5245.

No other details have been released.


About the Authors:

Loren Korn is a native Texan who joined the News 6 team as a reporter in May 2014. She was born and raised in Houston and graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a degree in Journalism.