William H. Markham, a 48-year-old white male from Reddick, FL, died on July 28, 2017, following a violent altercation with Harrell S. Jeffries, a 56-year-old white male, also from Reddick. The incident occurred in the early hours of the morning at a property located on Northwest Gainesville Road. According to reports, the confrontation began when Markham allegedly attacked Jeffries with a wooden object, which Jeffries described as a bat or tobacco stick. Jeffries, who sustained injuries to his hand, head, and other parts of his body, claimed that Markham accused him of having a relationship with his girlfriend and repeatedly struck him with the object.
In response to the attack, Jeffries retrieved a pistol and fired several shots at Markham, hitting him twice in the left forearm and three times in the left side of his back. Markham was taken to UF Health Shands Hospital in Gainesville, where he was pronounced dead. Jeffries, who also received medical treatment for his injuries, was later released from the hospital.
The Marion County Sheriff's Office conducted an investigation into the incident, which included a thorough search of the crime scene and interviews with witnesses. The investigation revealed that the physical evidence at the scene was consistent with Jeffries' account of the events. As a result, the State Attorney's Office determined that Jeffries acted in self-defense and decided not to file any charges against him.
William H. Markham was described by his father, William Markham Sr., as a well-liked individual who was born and raised in Marion County. He was a North Marion High School graduate and worked as a farm manager at a horse farm. Markham Sr. mentioned that his son lived with him and his wife and was a jack of all trades, taking care of their 180-acre property and performing maintenance work. Markham had a 16-year-old son of his own.
The tragic incident left the community in shock, with friends and acquaintances expressing their disbelief and sorrow over Markham's death. Despite the self-defense ruling, the case highlighted the complexities and emotional toll of such violent encounters.
