Who is Roderick Watson Jr? Man Arrested for North Marion Middle School Shooting

Roderick Kelvin Watson Jr was a man who shot and killed another man following an altercation near a Marion County Middle School.

The shooting occurred in the parking lot of North Marion Middle School while a student awards ceremony was going on inside.

Watson Jr got into an argument with the victim, Joseph Juarez Colos, shooting and killing him.

On Wednesday, May 22, 2024, Marion County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) deputies responded to the parking lot of North Marion Middle School, 2085 West Highway 329, in reference to a shooting.

When they arrived, they found the victim suffering from gunshot wounds and Watson Jr still on the scene.

Watson was arrested and charged with Murder in the Second Degree with a Firearm. He is being held with no bond.

According to the investigation, the victim and Watson became involved in a verbal argument in the parking lot of the school.

According to witnesses, Watson produced a handgun and shot the victim, who was unarmed, multiple times and then began punching him as the victim lay unconscious on the ground.

When deputies arrived, Watson was found sitting on a bench near the victim and surrendered peacefully. Paramedics transported the victim to an area hospital; however, he was soon pronounced deceased at the hospital.

Watson told deputies it was self-defense; however, evidence and witness statements contradicted his claim.