On Sunday, October 22, 2023, in Winter Haven, Florida, tragedy struck when a 20-year-old man was found lifeless in the parking area of the Pentecostal Church of God.

Roderick Wilson Jr., the individual who tragically lost his life, was not just a member of the congregation but also the son of the church’s head pastor. He had been residing in an apartment situated within the church premises.

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office has identified the alleged murderer as 22-year-old Taquion “Quan” Cotton. With a significant criminal past, Cotton’s encounter with Wilson was recorded by a security camera from a business in the vicinity, aiding detectives in piecing together the evening’s happenings.

The footage displayed an initial squabble between Cotton and Wilson, marked by physical aggression. Cotton then left the scene but made a swift return, which led to the lethal clash. The camera recorded Cotton firing the fatal shots at Wilson. 

Approximately an hour after this incident, a passerby found Wilson’s body at around 2 a.m.

Sheriff Grady Judd painted a contrasting image of the two young men involved. Wilson Jr. was depicted as an upstanding youth, devoid of any criminal background, actively serving the church under his father. In contrast, Cotton’s past reveals 11 felony arrests and six misdemeanor arrests. Intriguingly, none of these arrests converted into felony convictions.

Cotton’s mother said she believes that her son was overtaken by “demonic spirits.”

After the shooting, law enforcement swiftly spotted Cotton’s car, attributing their efficiency to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office’s homicide squad. Cotton’s apprehension wasn’t smooth; he reportedly attacked a woman, trying to force his way into her residence using her as leverage. Matters took a darker turn when Cotton’s own mother got involved, ending up getting bitten by her son during the ensuing chaos. Officers ultimately used a taser to overpower and arrest Cotton.

Despite having Cotton behind bars, the firearm used remains unaccounted for. The Polk County Sheriff’s Office has announced a $5,000 reward, hoping to encourage information regarding its whereabouts.

As the community reels from this shocking event, many questions linger, including what sparked the initial altercation between the two men. Law enforcement is appealing to the public for any pertinent information to further their ongoing investigation.

In a media gathering, Sheriff Judd highlighted the depth of the tragedy, emphasizing Wilson’s devout faith and his dedication to his religion. He pledged that every effort would be made to ensure justice prevails for the bereaved family. With this objective in mind, Cotton faces numerous charges, such as first-degree murder, burglary accompanied by battery, kidnapping, and a host of others.