A custody exchange turned violent in a Publix parking lot Friday, landing 28-year-old Joseph Halford behind bars on attempted murder charges after he allegedly shot his ex’s boyfriend in the neck. The confrontation, witnessed by Halford’s 8-year-old son, unfolded just after midnight at 831 Village Drive, police say.
According to a West Palm Beach Police Department affidavit, Halford was waiting to pick up his son, Jacob, from the boy’s mother, Brittany Ferguson, and her boyfriend, Carlton Matthews.
Ferguson told officers that Matthews parked beside Halford’s car, and Matthews stepped out to meet Halford, who was already outside his vehicle. Tensions flared when Halford claimed Matthews mimicked a gun with his fingers, pressed it to Halford’s forehead, and pushed him—escalating a routine handoff into chaos.
READ: US Coast Guard Continues Search For Missing Boater Off Piney Point
Halford told police he just wanted to grab his son and go. After Jacob exited Ferguson’s car, Halford placed him in the backseat of his black Hyundai Genesis. Matthews then allegedly said, “I spared you because of your son,” per the affidavit.
Moments later, Halford drew a 9mm Taurus semi-automatic from under his left armpit and fired once, striking Matthews in the throat. The bullet exited through the back of Matthews’ neck, and he was rushed to St. Mary’s Medical Center for treatment. His condition remains undisclosed.
Halford insisted he didn’t mean to kill Matthews, saying he aimed at his head and chest but saw no weapon on him. His cousin told investigators Halford called her in a panic, claiming he shot Matthews after the man reached for his belt line—suggesting a perceived threat.
READ: Deadly Dispute: Employee Shoots, Kills Customer At Tampa Business
Police found a single 9mm casing and the Taurus atop Halford’s car, nailing down the scene.
Officers detained Halford and Ferguson at the lot, where Jacob recounted seeing his father shoot Matthews after the push.
Despite Halford’s self-defense angle, police found probable cause for attempted felony murder with a firearm. He’s now held without bond in Palm Beach County Jail.
Please make a small donation to the Tampa Free Press to help sustain independent journalism. Your contribution enables us to continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage.
Connect with us: Follow the Tampa Free Press on Facebook and Twitter for breaking news and updates.
Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox.
