A Florida man is facing murder charges after he was accused of shooting a married couple over a property dispute involving a basketball hoop. Norman Scott, 63, was arrested on May 5 for allegedly killing Taylor and Tara Jones, WPEC reports.
Palm Beach County deputies responded to a home on Galleria Street in Wellington around 5:30 p.m. on May 4. A witness told authorities he heard gunshots and went outside to see what was happening. He reportedly found his neighbors covered in blood and tried giving them medical aid, according to a probable cause affidavit obtained by reporters.
While trying to help the victims, the witness noticed Scott came outside and asked him if he knew anything. That's when the suspect allegedly told him, “Don’t worry. I shot them both,” the report states. Scott also claimed the Jones attacked him first.
Security camera footage reviewed by deputies shows Taylor Jones cleaning up his yard until Scott beckons him over and they start talking. During the discussion, the 63-year-old appeared "clearly upset and appeared to be yelling at" the victim, according to investigators. Officials noted Taylor didn't appear “aggressive, threatening, volatile, or belligerent.” At one point, Scott reportedly made hand gestures toward a basketball hoop.
Less than 30 seconds into the dispute, Scott allegedly pulled out a gun and shot at Taylor Jones multiple times, the affidavit states. He reportedly stood over the husband and shot him several more times before turning the gun on Tara Jones. The wife, who was on her property, was shot while trying to retreat. As Scott was returning to his home, he fired two more shots into Taylor Jones, deputies claim.
“The video surveillance evidence unequivocally establishes the shooting was completely malicious and unprovoked,” the sheriff's office said. “Throughout the ordeal, Tara and Taylor Jones were never observed acting violently, aggressively, or exhibiting any form of threatening behavior towards Norman Scott.”
Brian Pakett, Scott's defense attorney, claims "a lot more that preceded" the deadly encounter and defended his client's character.
“He’s never been in trouble with the law, never been arrested, or as never been in as much as a fight so it is very uncharacteristic that a man such as this to have acted allegedly in the way that they claim he did," the lawyer said.
Scott was booked into jail on two counts of first-degree premeditated murder with a firearm. He was ordered held without bond and entered a plea of not guilty, according to WPEC.
His next court appearance is scheduled for June 3.
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