ALACHUA COUNTY, FL, Law enforcement officials said a man shot and killed his soon-to-be ex-wife and another woman before later dying by suicide Tuesday evening, following a multi-county search and standoff along Interstate 75.
The Union County Sheriff’s Office identified the suspect as Jason Holton. Authorities stated that Holton fatally shot Candace Pons Joseph, his soon-to-be ex-wife, along with a second adult woman. Deputies reported that both victims were found deceased from apparent gunshot wounds near Southwest County Road 241 in the Providence area at approximately 4:30 p.m.
According to neighbors, Holton and Joseph had been experiencing ongoing marital issues. The couple shared three children, officials said.
After the shootings, investigators reported that Holton fled the scene in a black Ford F-150. Deputies were able to contact him by phone as he left the area, which led to the issuance of a statewide alert. Multiple agencies, including the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and the Florida Highway Patrol, assisted in the search.
Authorities later located the vehicle traveling southbound on Interstate 75 in Alachua County near Paynes Prairie. Law enforcement conducted a PIT maneuver in an effort to stop the truck and take Holton into custody.
When officers approached the vehicle, Holton was found deceased from what authorities described as an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Earlier in the incident, the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office closed I-75 South near Paynes Prairie as deputies worked to apprehend a suspect they described as armed and dangerous. Live traffic camera feeds from the area were later removed by FL 511 while the situation was ongoing.
The investigation involving multiple agencies remains active. Officials stated that additional details, including confirmation of the second victim’s identity, will be released as information becomes available.
The Union County Sheriff’s Office expressed condolences to the victims and their families as the investigation continues.
