Arrest made in murder of Quentin Samuel Jr.
On Monday, October 2, Marion County Sheriff’s Office Major Crimes Detective Kip Peterson arrested Jowarn Mitchell (DOB: 8/18/1998) for the murder of Quentin Samuel Jr.
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On July 20, at around 5:30 p.m., deputies responded to 6500 SE 41st Court, in Ocala, in reference to a shooting. Marion County Fire Rescue also responded and located Quentin Samuel Jr. deceased from multiple gunshot wounds. Many in the South Marion community will remember Samuel, a 2007 Belleview High School graduate, as a key member of many Rattler football teams. Following the news of his untimely passing, the Belleview Athletic Department released a statement in memory of Samuel. “Quentin is one of our all time great Rattler football players, starting at running back in the mid 2000’s,” the release stated. “It is with heavy hearts that we learn the news of Quentin’s passing. Quentin and his family have been wonderful additions to our BHS Athletics family over the years. We are praying for strength and peace for the Samuel family during this difficult time.”
Sheriff Office documents report that on the day of Samuel’s death, a witness stated after hearing gunshots, they saw a maroon truck they believed belonged to Mitchell’s father leaving the location. Deputies quickly located and stopped the vehicle on Highway 314A. Mitchell was the driver and sole occupant.
During an interview with Mitchell, he denied being anywhere near Quentin’s home but instead went to get food and have a tire fixed. When detectives asked specifically what locations he went to, he stated he received “crazy news” and began driving around to “clear his head,” but still claimed he did not go to Quentin’s house that day. Detective Peterson used investigative techniques through this investigation to determine that Mitchell was untruthful about his whereabouts that day. He was also able to prove that Mitchel was, in fact, in front of Quentin’s homearound the time of the shooting.
Mitchell was arrested for Murder in the Second Degree and transported to the Marion County Jail, where he is held without bond. A probable cause affidavit for the offense of 2nd Degree Non-Premeditated Homicide was released by MCSO and outlines the events of the day Samuel was killed.
An obituary for Samuel, who was 34 years old, says that “Quentin Samuel, Jr., leaves to cherish his precious memories, a loving wife, Shavonne Samuel; children, Ty’Rek, Jaylen, and Tristan Samuel; parents, Quentin Sr. and Sharon Samuel; siblings; Renell Smith, Pernell Smith, Shawnta Samuel, and Jamarian Samuel; Grandparents, John and Barbara Samuel.”
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A Life Remembered
Samuel, pictured in the #1 jersey during a 2006 game, will be remembered by the South Marion community. “Quentin is one of our all time great Rattler football players,” read a recent statement by the Belleview High Athletic Department.
Athlete Of The Week
Samuel was frequently featured in the Voice during his high school football career. Above, he was named “Athlete of the Week” in a 2006 issue.
In Loving Memory
A video displayed on Youtube by NitaB Photography shows the service held for Quentin Samuel Jr.
