A Marion County jury found 41-year-old Joseph Edwards Horrighs guilty of first-degree premeditated murder on Thursday, concluding a three-day trial over the 2023 killing of Darius Duntel Jones.
Following the verdict, Judge Barbara Kissner-Kwatkosky sentenced Horrighs to life in prison within the Florida Department of Corrections.
“This verdict and sentencing hold the defendant accountable for taking the life of Darius Jones and provide a measure of justice for his family,” Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney Bill Gladson said. “A life was taken though an act of premeditated violence, and the jury returned the just verdict of guilty. Our thoughts remain with Mr. Jones’ family and loved ones as they continue to live with this loss.”
Deputies with the Marion County Sheriff’s Office first launched their investigation on Sept. 21, 2023, after responding to a reported shooting off SE 174th Place. Upon arrival, deputies found the 56-year-old victim dead from multiple gunshot wounds.
Investigators traced Jones’ movements earlier that day and found that he had picked up Horrighs and an unidentified female companion before driving to a local Walmart. Surveillance footage from the store captured the trio leaving together, with Jones driving, Horrighs sitting in the front passenger seat, and the woman in the back.
While Horrighs initially told investigators he had not been with Jones, he admitted to being in the vehicle after detectives presented him with the store security footage.
Authorities learned that an argument broke out between Horrighs and the woman after they left the store. Residential security cameras near the crime scene recorded the vehicle, showing the woman exiting the back seat and walking away on foot. About 20 minutes after the car drove out of view, the same camera recorded Horrighs walking briskly back from that direction, placing him alone with Jones during the estimated window of the shooting.
Forensic testing later linked Horrighs to evidence recovered at the scene. DNA collected from shell casings and an abandoned gun holster matched Horrighs, while a search of his residence turned up additional shell casings that matched those found near the victim.
Witness interviews revealed that Horrighs harbored animosity toward Jones because Jones was African American, and because Horrighs believed Jones was flirting with the female companion, sparking jealousy.
Assistant State Attorney Toby Hunt prosecuted the case for the state.
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