A rent dispute in Tamarac, Florida, ended in a fatal shooting on May 3, 2026. Vernon Roe, 66, and a younger man who lived at the same Northwest 74th Terrace residence argued about rent; the argument became physical and Roe was shot in the torso. He was taken to a local hospital in critical condition and died days later; his death was ruled a homicide. Friends and family described Roe as bright, vibrant, and loyal.

Authorities arrested 23-year-old Xavier Mojica, who also lived at the home. Mojica was initially charged with attempted murder and, after Roe’s death, charged with second-degree murder and held without bond at the Broward County Main Jail as of mid-May 2026. Another resident, identified as Freddy Cora, was present and reportedly armed himself with a kitchen knife but allegedly did not use it. Mojica told police he fired after being pushed to the ground and feeling unsure of the men’s intentions, and also said neither Roe nor Cora were armed at the moment he shot Roe. The investigation remains ongoing.