Eric Daugherty, a 41-year-old man, was found deceased on November 28, 2022, inside a residence on Walnut Street in Dunnellon, Florida. The Marion County Sheriff's Office (MCSO) responded to the scene at the request of the local police department to assist with the investigation. Upon arrival, deputies discovered Eric Daugherty, who had sustained gunshot wounds, in the living room of the residence. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
The victim's cause of death was determined to be gunshot wounds to the abdomen.
The investigation into Eric Daugherty's death revealed that he was not a resident of Dunnellon, and it remains unclear why he was at the location where his body was found. The case marked the first homicide in Dunnellon in over three decades, prompting significant attention from law enforcement and the community. The MCSO Major Crimes Inspector led the investigation, which included interviewing several eyewitnesses and gathering forensic evidence from the scene.
A significant breakthrough in the case occurred when investigators identified 42-year-old Brian Keron Welcome, also known by the nickname "Rockafeller," as a suspect. Welcome, a convicted felon with a history of 41 prior felony charges and 21 felony convictions, was present at the residence at the time of the shooting. Eyewitnesses reported that Welcome was seated at a table in the living room before he allegedly stood up, pointed a firearm at the sleeping victim, and shot him without provocation. The crime was described as "cold-blooded" by one of the eyewitnesses.
Two 9mm shell casings were recovered from the scene, consistent with the victim being shot twice while on the couch. Following the collection of evidence and witness statements, Brian Keron Welcome was arrested on February 9, 2023. He was charged with second-degree murder without premeditation and possession of a weapon or ammunition by a convicted felon. Welcome is currently being held without bond at the Marion County Jail, and a court date has yet to be scheduled.
The investigation into Eric Daugherty's death continues, with law enforcement officials seeking additional information from the public. Anyone with information about the case is encouraged to contact the Marion County Sheriff's Office or Crime Stoppers of Marion County. The community remains vigilant as they await further developments in this tragic case.
