In the small city of Pahokee, Florida, a wave of violence on the night of February 25, 2026, claimed the life of 37-year-old Henry McClean Jr. and another man. The events unfolded when Charles McCloud Jr., 44, began a shooting spree that would end in more bloodshed and his own demise. McClean and Francisco Pacheco, 40, were found shot to death at a residence on Booker Place, marking the tragic beginning of the night's rampage.
The violence did not end there. Shortly after the double homicide, McCloud fired shots at another home and then proceeded to a local convenience store where he shot and wounded 54-year-old Anthony Brown. The chaotic series of events took another dramatic turn when McCloud returned to one of the crime scenes. As a Palm Beach County Sheriff's deputy was securing the area with crime scene tape, McCloud intentionally drove his black GMC SUV into the deputy, launching him approximately 40 feet.
Following the collision, McCloud exited his vehicle armed with a handgun and approached the injured deputy. Despite his serious injuries, the deputy was able to draw his service weapon and fatally shoot McCloud. Another deputy at the scene also fired their weapon. The injured deputy was hospitalized with serious injuries but was expected to survive.
Authorities later revealed that McCloud had an extensive criminal history, including charges for armed robbery, aggravated battery, and riot. The motive for the violent spree remained under investigation. The family of Henry McClean Jr. described him as a father of four and a native of Pahokee, left devastated and searching for answers in the wake of the senseless violence. His sister mentioned that McClean and the suspect knew each other. The brother of Charles McCloud Jr. stated that his family was also confused by the events and suggested that recent losses and mental health struggles may have played a role in his brother's actions. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement, along with the Palm Beach County State Attorney's Office and the Sheriff's Office's Violent Crimes Division, are continuing to investigate the series of events.
