William Ernest "Ernie" Hall, a 52-year-old man from Umatilla, Florida, tragically lost his life on July 21, 2018. Hall, who was known for his dedication to his family and community, was an innocent bystander during a violent altercation that led to his untimely death. The incident occurred at a residence in Umatilla, where Hall was present during a confrontation between his daughter's boyfriend and her estranged husband, Benjamin W. Martin.
The altercation began when Martin, 29, arrived at the home and engaged in a physical fight with his soon-to-be ex-wife's boyfriend. During the scuffle, Martin retrieved an AR-15 assault rifle from his vehicle. In the ensuing chaos, the rifle discharged, striking Hall in the chest. Despite the efforts of Marion County Fire Rescue paramedics, Hall was pronounced dead at the scene. Another round from the rifle also injured the boyfriend, causing a superficial wound to his thigh.
Martin was arrested and charged with negligent manslaughter, use of a deadly weapon, and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon without intent to kill. He was held in the Marion County Jail on a $42,000 bond. This was not Martin's first encounter with the law; he had a prior arrest in 2012 for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon stemming from a road rage incident. In that case, he was found guilty of a lesser charge and placed on probation after completing anger management counseling.
The death of William Ernest Hall, a beloved husband, father, and grandfather, left a profound impact on his family and the Umatilla community. Hall's family described him as a selfless man who always put his loved ones first. His unexpected death was a devastating blow, and his memory continues to be cherished by those who knew him. Services for Hall were held at the First Baptist Church of Umatilla, where family and friends gathered to honor his life and legacy.
