Police: Man, 26, fatally shot in New Smyrna Beach

NEW SMYRNA BEACH, Fla. — A 26-year-old man was fatally wounded early Friday in a shooting, the New Smyrna Beach Police Department said.

James Jackson III was shot several times shortly after 1 a.m. on Washington Street west of North Dixie Freeway, police said.

"I came outside and saw a young man's body fall to the ground," said witness Shy Morris.

Investigators said Jackson was taken to Florida Hospital New Smyrna, where he later died.

Officers said Jackson and the accused gunman, Ruben Watson, 32, were arguing moments before the shooting.

Watson was taken into custody by police at a nearby house and charged with second-degree murder, police said.

Channel 9's Michael Springer found court documents that showed Watson has been arrested three times for battery since 2010.

It's the city's second murder in two years. Neighbors said they won't let Friday's killing force them to live in fear.

"I'm single, parent mother of four kids. So, I don't have time to be scared. I have to respond to make sure I can protect my little ones," Morris said.

Cox Media Group