Polk County, Florida

From the Orlando Sentinel of April 13, 2006

One shot in Polk County neighborhood feud

A neighborhood feud turned deadly Wednesday when a Winter Haven man fatally shot a 23-year-old who he said taunted and threatened him, the Polk County Sheriff's Office said.

Justin Boyette of Temple Terrace was staying with a friend -- Eric Wagner -- in Winter Haven and became involved in an ongoing dispute between Wagner and neighbor Michael T. Brady, said sheriff's spokeswoman Carrie Rodgers.

While Brady, 43, was at his Queens Cove Loop home Wednesday, Wagner and Boyette taunted and made crude statements toward him, said sheriff's Chief W.J. Martin.

Brady went inside his house but later came back out when his wife arrived about 5:50 p.m. and armed himself with a revolver, Martin said. When Brady came outside to greet his wife, Wagner and Boyette continued to taunt him.

Brady was on his property when Boyette approached with his hand behind his back as though he was going to punch him, Martin said.

That's when Brady shot Boyette once in the chest while standing in the driveway, Martin said.

"He was in fear for his life and he shot him," Martin said.

Brady admitted to the shooting and is cooperating with detectives, Rodgers said. He has not been arrested.

Once the Sheriff's Office completes its investigation, the State Attorney's Office will decide if it will file charges.