A 44-year-old man, Harley Van Leer, died Sunday after being shot in Newberry, and a 19-year-old suspect, 19-year-old David Dwayne Martin Jr., has been arrested after confessing to the shooting.
The Alachua County Sheriff’s Office Combined Communications Center received multiple 911 calls at approximately 11:40 a.m. on Sunday, May 27, reporting a person shot at 25721 NW 7th Place in Newberry. Deputies quickly responded, with the first units arriving within four minutes and immediately rendering life-saving aid to Mr. Van Leer.
Witnesses at the scene reported that the suspect, David Martin Jr., had fled the area on foot. However, while deputies were actively investigating, Mr. Martin approached them and admitted to being responsible for the shooting. He was immediately detained.
During the ongoing investigation, an eyewitness told deputies they saw Martin run toward the backyard of a nearby duplex and conceal a firearm inside a propane grill. Crime Scene Investigators subsequently located and collected the weapon.
Following an interview with Detectives, Martin was arrested and charged with one count of Carrying a Concealed Firearm and one count of Tampering with Evidence. This investigation is in its early stages, and authorities are continuing to examine all aspects of the case to determine the full circumstances leading to Mr. Van Leer’s death.
The Alachua County Sheriff’s Office extended its deepest condolences to Mr. Van Leer’s family and loved ones.
Anyone with information related to this incident is urged to contact the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division at 352-367-4170, or remain anonymous by calling Crime Stoppers at 352-372-7867.
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