81-Year-Old Micanopy Man Charged with Attempted Homicide After Gunfire

Micanopy, Florida, USA - In a shocking turn of events in the quiet town of Micanopy, an 81-year-old man named John Morgan Webb has been charged with multiple felonies, including three counts of attempted homicide. The unsettling incident unfolded on May 22, when Webb confronted relatives of his deceased ex-wife at a property he was not supposed to be in. According to Alachua County Today, tensions flared when these family members arrived to clean the home in preparation for its sale—now under the ownership of Webb’s former wife, whom he divorced back in 1998.

Upon noticing Webb’s vehicle parked in the driveway, one of the relatives decided to record video as they entered the property. What followed was both alarming and dangerous. Webb reportedly drew a revolver and fired a shot into the ceiling. When the terrified relatives attempted to flee, Webb threatened them with the chilling words, “No, don’t move, you got to die first.” As they backed their vehicle down the driveway, Webb fired at them, hitting the car four times and disabling its engine.

A Troubling History

The aftermath of the shooting saw Webb leave the scene, only to be apprehended later by deputies. After being read his Miranda rights, he claimed he had acted in self-defense. However, video evidence contradicts his statement, showing that the exchange prior to his actions was non-confrontational. With no previous criminal convictions to his name, Webb is currently being held without bail, awaiting a hearing following a motion from the State Attorney’s Office.

This incident raises more than just eyebrows—it shines a light on the ongoing violence that has occasionally marred Micanopy’s otherwise tranquil image. Just over a year ago, on December 7, 2022, a body was discovered that belonged to Corey Grimmage, who had suffered multiple gunshot wounds. Joshua Hall, a 36-year-old man, was arrested shortly thereafter, facing charges including second-degree murder. The links between these violent occurrences seem tenuous at best, but they paint a portrait of a community that is grappling with unsettling incidents amidst its scenic charm. Details from WCJB highlight the connection between these events, illustrating that even in quieter locales, crime can sometimes rear its ugly head.

Understanding Crime in Micanopy

Despite the recent incidents, Micanopy remains relatively safe compared to larger cities. As noted by Neighborhood Scout, the town boasts a crime rate of just 3 per 1,000 residents—lower than 82% of communities across the nation. With a one in 326 chance of becoming a victim of crime, Micanopy’s residents can hold onto their peace of mind, even as isolated incidents remind them of the world outside their picturesque town. The violent crime rate stands at about average, with most incidents categorized as armed robbery or aggravated assault.

As this case unfolds, community members are left to ponder the implications of violence in their midst. One can only hope that these incidents serve as a wake-up call to foster dialogue on safety and accountability, ensuring that Micanopy remains not only beautiful but also a safe haven for all its residents.