Grandad shoots wife's daughter and her husband as their children slept through horror attack upstairs
A grandfather engaged in a heated argument with his wife before shooting her daughter and son-in-law while their were asleep upstairs.
Newell Mock, 67, was embroiled in a 'domestic dispute' with Rhonda Mock, 65, prior to murdering Joshua Johns, 40, and leaving Jessica Johns, 40, with injuries. The grandfather, from Florida, then turned the gun on himself.
reported that Newell and Rhonda had intense arguments at their Gulf County residence on December 13. 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.
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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 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 for treatment. In light of this shocking event, a 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."