OCALA, Fla. — Marion County Sheriff’s Office detectives have identified a 23-year-old woman killed in a shooting in Ocala early Sunday morning.
Just before she died, deputies say Sonja Stahl was riding with 22-year-old Alexa Newton as Newton drove to her ex-boyfriend’s home in the 2600 block of SE 56th Street in Ocala.
WATCH: Paddleboarder films close encounter with alligator at Silver Springs State Park
According to the sheriff’s office, witnesses reported seeing Newton get out of her car and break the front window of the home in an apparent attempt to get in.
The ex-boyfriend, identified by the sheriff’s office as 24-year-old Timothy Mack, told deputies he stopped Newton from breaking in and asked her to leave.
Mack claimed when Newton got back into her car, she drove towards him and he fired a gun at the vehicle, intending to disable it.
READ: Deputies: 15-year-old student arrested after bringing loaded gun to school
Instead, deputies say the shot struck Stahl, fatally wounding her.
Mack hasn’t been charged for Stahl’s death, but he was arrested Sunday for being a felon in possession of a firearm and tampering with evidence. Additionally, Mack was charged with probation violations and will remain in custody at least until that case is resolved, according to the Sheriff’s Office.
Newton was also arrested and charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, battery, and criminal mischief. She’s being held in the Marion County jail on a $2,500 bond.
READ: Death investigation underway after deadly shooting in Winter Garden, deputies say
The homicide investigation is ongoing as deputies say they’re still waiting to receive results from some of the forensic evidence gathered at the scene, including ballistics and DNA evidence.
Once complete, the State Attorney’s Office will review the investigation with regard to any homicide-related charges, as is standard for a potential stand-your-ground defense.
Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, and click here to watch the latest news on your Smart TV.