Joseph Green Jr., a 62-year-old African American man, was tragically killed on November 10, 2018, in Gainesville, Florida. Green, a veteran with a history of incarceration, was found bleeding on the ground in the 900 block of Southwest 62nd Terrace. Emergency workers attempted to revive him, but he was pronounced dead at the hospital. The incident was initially a mystery with no clear witnesses or leads.
The investigation took a significant turn when Alachua County sheriff's detectives
arrested 15-year-old Kynorri Morris on November 29, 2018. Morris, who had a troubled past and had been in and out of the Alachua County Public Schools system, was charged with murder and refusing to give aid to a crime victim. Detectives believe that Morris shot Joseph Green Jr. during a botched robbery attempt. The community's cooperation and a reward offered by CrimeStoppers and the Florida Sheriff's Association's Apprehension Assistance Program were instrumental in leading to Morris's arrest.
Green had recently moved back to Gainesville, close to where he was found, much to the delight of his relatives who described him as a funny person who loved sports and enjoyed sharing stories about his Army days. Originally from Miami, Green had served time in state prison on various charges, including a second-degree murder case from 1983, as well as burglary and cocaine possession.
The case against Morris is ongoing, with the State's Attorney's Office determining whether he will be charged with first-degree murder or a lesser charge, and whether he will be prosecuted as an adult or a juvenile. The tragic death of Joseph Green Jr. has left his family and community in mourning, as they remember him for his humor and love for storytelling.
