A late-night argument in West Palm Beach, Florida, on Saturday, May 9, 2026, tragically escalated, leaving 64-year-old Joseph Key Jr. dead from multiple gunshot wounds. The incident unfolded near 15th Street, where a ShotSpotter alert for several rounds of gunfire drew the attention of the West Palm Beach Police Department. Upon their arrival, officers discovered Key, who was then rushed to a nearby hospital where he ultimately succumbed to his injuries.
The investigation into the fatal shooting quickly pointed to a heated exchange between Key and another individual.
Surveillance footage from the area proved crucial in identifying a suspect, capturing the moments of the argument leading up to the deadly gunfire. The video reportedly shows both Key and the alleged shooter, 31-year-old Jarvis Lee Williams, drawing firearms. Investigators stated that Williams continued to fire even after Key had fallen to the ground. Following the shooting, Williams allegedly fled the scene in a vehicle. He was later located at St. Mary's Medical Center, where he was being treated for a gunshot wound to his hand. This discovery, coupled with the surveillance evidence, led to his arrest in connection with the death of Joseph Key Jr.
Jarvis Lee Williams, a convicted felon, now faces charges of second-degree murder and being a felon in possession of a firearm. During his initial court appearance, a judge set his bond at $50,000. The case against Williams is built upon the surveillance evidence and his subsequent appearance at the hospital with a gunshot wound. As a convicted felon, it was illegal for him to be in possession of a firearm in the first place. The overview of the case indicates a violent confrontation that turned deadly, with the suspect being quickly identified and apprehended due to a combination of technology and investigative work. The legal proceedings against Williams will now determine the final outcome of this tragic event.
