Ocala youth, age 20, found guilty of second degree murder

State Attorney
Fifth Judicial Circuit of Florida
Marion, Lake, Citrus, Sumter and
Hernando counties

Ocala, Florida - In a Marion County courtroom on February 7, 2023, following the trial against 20 year-old Leandre Rashad Cox, of Ocala, jurors delivered a verdict of guilty on a charge of second-degree murder in regard to the shooting death of 23 year-old Jacorie Deaunte McCullough on March 25, 2022. The date of the sentencing had not been set at the time of the jury's decision announcement.

Cox was 18 years-old at the time of the shooting, which occurred in the parking lot of the 7 Days Food Store, located at 2002 NW 1st Avenue in Ocala. Due to the report of a shot being fired, Ocala Police Deparment officers arrived on scene to find 23 year-old Jacorie McCullough lying in the front parking lot with a single gunshot wound. He was transported to HCA Florida Ocala Hospital in Ocala, where he was later pronounced deceased. Cox was arrested, five days after the incident on March 30, 2022. Since that time, he's been incarcerated at the Marion County Jail in Ocala.

The investigation determined that Cox and two other people had gotten into a confrontation with McCullough, during which he was shot by Cox, who was armed.The incident was captured on the store's video surveillance.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant State Attorney Michael Adam Smith, Jr. and investigated by Chief Mike Balkin and lead Detective Kyle Kern of the Ocala Police Department.

"The verdict serves as a testament to the unwavering dedication of law enforcement to pursue justice and uphold the safety of our communities," said State Attorney Bill Gladson, Fifth Judicial Circuit. "Our thoughts remain with the family and loved ones of Jacorie. While nothing can undo the pain of their loss, we hope that this verdict brings some measure of closure and peace."