A grandad gunned down his wife’s daughter and shot her husband dead as he rowed with his spouse – while the tragic couple’s kids slept upstairs.
Newell Mock had argued with wife Rhonda Mock before launching into his murderous attack – then turning the gun on himself in a brutal murder-suicide.
Police reported that the 67-year-old had heated arguments with his 65-year-old wife at their home in Gulf County, Florida, earlier this month.
The December 13, 2024 ‘domestic dispute’ saw Newell murdering Joshua Johns, 40, and leaving his wife, Jessica Johns, also 40, with gunshot wounds.
The Mirror reports that, as the disagreement escalated, he armed himself with a handgun and she fled the property in terror. Newell then journeyed to the home of Rhonda’s daughter, Jessica Johns, in the SweetBay area of Panama City, Florida, carrying the firearm.
He forced entry into her home and opened fire on both Jessica and her husband Joshua, hitting them multiple times. Police responded to a 911 call about the shooting and arrived approximately two minutes later.
They found Mock sitting on the front porch, still holding the weapon. Officers tried to defuse the situation, but Mock refused to engage in conversation before fatally shooting himself, reports the Mirror US.
The Panama City Police Department confirmed that he did not threaten the officers, and they did not fire their weapons. Police then entered a home to discover Joshua Johns dead and Jessica Johns critically injured.
Their two children were found asleep upstairs, unaware of the tragedy, while officers and a volunteer chaplain stayed with them until relatives arrived.
Jessica was rushed to hospital for treatment. In light of this shocking event, a GoFundMe has been set up to cover Joshua’s funeral expenses and Jessica’s medical care, raising over $100,000.
The fundraiser pays homage to Joshua: “Josh was a loving husband, father, and friend. His sudden passing has created an immense void in our hearts, and our family is struggling with profound grief.”
It also recognises Jessica’s struggles ahead: “Jessica is now facing a long and difficult road to recovery, both physically and emotionally.
“As she heals, she will also be navigating the challenging reality of raising their children without Josh. Josh and Jessica are incredibly loved and celebrated in our community, and their strength and kindness touched so many lives.”
The police department is now urging any potential witnesses or individuals with relevant information to step forward. According to a spokesperson, “This is an ongoing investigation.
“Anyone having information on this case is urged to call the Panama City Police Department at 850-872-3100, or they can report their tips anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 850-785-TIPS.”
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