A quiet Marion County, Florida, neighborhood was shaken Wednesday when a 64-year-old resident was shot and killed in what authorities are calling a “random act of violence.”
Harold Whitt Harper, known for his love of gardening and dedication to his home, was tending his yard when the fatal incident occurred, leaving neighbors grappling with shock and grief.
According to the Ocala Police Department, deputies responded shortly after 3:30 p.m. to reports of a suspicious person in the area of Southeast Third Street.
The caller, driving past, observed a man—later identified as 29-year-old Isaac Ezekiel Toye—appear to chamber a round in a pistol and motion for the driver to stop.
Shortly after, a second call reported gunfire nearby. Officers arriving on the scene found Harper suffering from a gunshot wound to the back of the head. He later died at the scene.
Police arrested Toye two blocks away from the scene, discovering a loaded 9mm pistol in his hoodie and two fully loaded magazines in a backpack.
Body camera footage and witness statements, including doorbell camera footage, placed Toye at both the initial suspicious incident and the location where Harper was shot, according to WCJB.
Authorities have stated there is no evidence that the shooting was targeted or that additional suspects were involved.
Toye made his first court appearance Thursday, where a Marion County judge denied him bond. He faces charges of second-degree murder and two counts of aggravated assault.
His next hearing is scheduled for Feb. 10 at 9 a.m.
Neighbors described Harper as a kind and quiet man who found solace in his yard and gardening, which he recently used as a form of physical therapy following major surgery.
“A wonderful man…kept to himself, worked on his yard. Mr. Harper loved his yard and enjoyed gardening,” said Joan Zoeller, a neighbor who rushed to assist Harper’s family after the shooting, told Click Orlando.
Flowers and memorials have been placed at Harper’s home by grieving residents.
The shooting has prompted heightened concern for safety among the community.
Several neighbors reported fears that similar incidents could occur, with some discussing carrying firearms for protection.
“It makes me sad, scared, and I think it’s pure evil. I’m going to be on my p’s and q’s now,” said neighbor Brad Bowen.
Other residents echoed similar sentiments, comparing safety in Ocala unfavorably to larger cities like New York.
Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting, including Toye’s potential criminal or mental health history.
Police requested body camera footage and additional information to assist in the ongoing inquiry.
Ocala Mayor Ben Marciano released a video message expressing condolences to Harper’s family, highlighting his community presence and contributions.
“He is a wonderful neighbor. His passion was gardening…just very, very nice man always says hello to anybody,” Marciano said.
This tragic incident underscores the dangers that can emerge unexpectedly in otherwise peaceful communities, reigniting conversations about public safety, neighborhood vigilance and law enforcement response in Florida.
