Family argument in DeBary turns violent with father shooting and killing son

Police are still investigating the fatal shooting of a 32-year-old DeBary man at his family’s home that occurred on the afternoon of November 11.  Deputies from the Volusia Sheriff’s Office were called to 15 Hollow Pine Drive by the victim’s father, Joseph Johnson, 62, who reported he had shot his son, Cory Johnson, after the two got into a physical altercation.  Cory Johnson was declared deceased at the scene.

The argument erupted earlier Monday when Cory returned home after spending the night in jail. He was arrested Sunday in Daytona Beach Shores, charged with possession/use of drug paraphernalia and possession of a controlled substance.

Sheriff Mike Chitwood said that Cory had a history of carrying a knife with him and that he had a knife on his person when he was arrested on Monday.

But when Cory Johnson, 32, was shot by his father, Joseph Johnson, 62, the next day, the son was not armed, Chitwood said.  Joseph Johnson was previously arrested for domestic violence against his daughter in Brevard County but the charges were later dropped, Chitwood said.  ~ Daytona Beach News-Journal

Family members told deputies Cory was released from jail Monday and upon returning home was enraged that his parents did not help him get out of jail and was attempting to take a vehicle from the residence that was jointly owned by him and his mother.

The parents tried unsuccessfully to diffuse the situation, then called sheriff’s deputies who responded to the home regarding the civil complaint about the vehicle and provided legal advice.

About an hour after deputies left the scene the first time, Joseph called the Sheriff’s Office at 4:37 p.m. to report the physical fight prompted by Cory and that he had shot his son.

When deputies arrived at the home, the younger Johnson was dead.  The police report stated that Cory was found in the laundry room, deceased and lying on his back.  The handgun used in the shooting was found one room away in the kitchen.

Detectives questioned the elder Johnson.  No arrests have been made, pending further investigation.

“It’s leaning that way,” Chitwood said when asked if the incident looks like self-defense.

“All this because of drugs. Very sad.”  ~ Daytona Beach News-Journal

(Source: Volusia Sheriff’s Office)

~ Written by: Richard Webster, Ace News Today   /   Follow Richard on Facebook and Twitter