The family of a popular Jacksonville musician killed in a Dec. 10 road rage is calling for answers and an arrest of the man who’s stating he was standing his ground under the law.
“They don’t even know the name of the person who did this and police have told them it may take ‘many months,’” said attorney John Phillips, who is representing the family of the late Joe Starkey, 62.
Starkey was a songwriter, producer, sound engineer and a member of the band Puddle of Mudd. His family said he wrote and produced for big acts such as Saliva, Daughtry and Avril Lavigne.
The Sheriff’s Office has released scant information about the case. What’s been provided is that it occurred about 9 p.m. on St Johns Bluff Road at Bahia Drive near Atlantic Boulevard. Starkey was found dead in the roadway with at least one gunshot wound. After talking with several witnesses and the shooter, it was determined to be some sort of road rage incident that led to the shooting.
The Sheriff’s Office lists the case as a homicide pending classification while the State Attorney’s Office investigates possible charges. The State Attorney’s Office said it’s an active investigation and cannot comment further.
The Sheriff’s Office made no mention of additional passengers in either vehicle. But Phillips, who conducted a Dec. 18 news conference with the family, said Starkey’s wife, Tina, was with him.
Joe Starkey, 62, was shot and killed during a road rage attack at St Johns Bluff Road and Bahia Drive in Jacksonville on Dec. 10.
This is their account: After heading home from dinner at a restaurant, they noticed an unusual-looking Jeep that swerved and darted into their path repeatedly. At first, the Starkeys thought he may be drunk or texting and driving and just chose to stay away. However, at one point, the driver of the Jeep aggressively passed their car and then hit his breaks.
“Given he did not want to lead the person to his home, Joe pulled over hoping the Jeep would just drive by,” according to their statement. “It did not, so Joe sought to speak to him. Starkey was particularly concerned because his wife had recently had spinal surgery and a wreck or further aggravation could be catastrophic. He just wanted to see what in the world was going on. … At no time did Mr. Starkey use, threaten, intend or have any ability to use imminent use of unlawful force.”
They believe the driver of the Jeep was the first and only aggressor, so is not entitled to Stand Your Ground protection.
“In no way did the shooting meet any potential threat he could have subjectively feared,” Phillips said. “One man was out of his car unarmed. One man was in his car armed.”
A GoFundMe has been set up for the Starkey family.
This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Family of Jacksonville musician killed in road rage wants answers