Jamar Ahmed Mousakheel, a 31-year-old resident of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, tragically lost his life on June 2, 2020, in a violent incident that unfolded in a beach-area parking lot. The events leading to his death began with an argument between Mousakheel and two men at approximately 11:10 p.m. in the parking lot located at 231 Almond Avenue, near East Las Olas Boulevard.
Surveillance footage captured the confrontation, showing one of the men retrieving a gun from a car and shooting Mousakheel in the leg. Despite being injured, Mousakheel remained in the parking lot, visibly distressed and in pain. Moments later, a second man approached and shot him in the head at close range, resulting in his immediate death.
The investigation into Mousakheel's murder led to the arrest of Gerald Gotcher, a 43-year-old resident of Fort Lauderdale. Gotcher was identified as the individual who fired the fatal shot to Mousakheel's head. He was apprehended within 72 hours of the incident and charged with murder. The first shooter, who inflicted the leg wound, remains at large, and authorities have released surveillance videos and 911 recordings in an effort to generate leads and apprehend the suspect. The police have described the first shooter as a man with a slim build and shoulder-length dreadlocks, who fled the scene in a light-colored, four-door compact sedan, possibly a Nissan.
Mousakheel's death has left a profound impact on his family and friends, who remember him as a father striving to turn his life around after a troubled past. He had been released from prison in 2016 after serving time for an armed carjacking conviction. Despite his criminal history, those close to him emphasized that he was making efforts to improve his life and provide for his young son. The ongoing investigation continues to seek justice for Mousakheel, with authorities urging anyone with information to come forward and assist in identifying and apprehending the remaining suspect.
