On February 3, 2026, Candace Priscilla Joseph, 43, was fatally shot by her ex-boyfriend Jason Eric Holton, 47, in Lake Butler, Florida. Holton also killed another unidentified 47-year-old woman who was helping Joseph move out. After the double murder, Holton fled in a pickup truck, leading to a police pursuit on Interstate 75 in Alachua County. The pursuit ended when law enforcement used a PIT maneuver to stop Holton's vehicle, where he was found dead from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. The incident is classified as a murder-suicide involving an estranged romantic relationship of 13 years.
Country: United States
State/Province: Florida, United States
City/Region: Lake Butler
Incident Type: Murder-Suicide
Relationship Status: Ex-partners
Relationship Duration: 13 years
Incident Date: Feb. 3, 2026
Relationship Origins:
Relationship Stages:
Contributing Factors:
Red Flags:
Motives:
Relationship Outcomes:
How the relationship or connection began.
13 years
Important relationship phases recorded for this case.
Reported red flags or early concern points.
Contributing factors and possible motives from the available sources.
2026-02-03
Recorded relationship or case outcome.
English labels are shown first. Original-language titles are preserved for source verification.
Original language: English
Lake Butler man kills ex-girlfriend, another woman before fleeing on I-75 in Alachua County, deputies say
Domestic Violence
The case involves a long-term estranged romantic relationship where the suspect killed his ex-girlfriend and another woman involved in the victim's move-out process. The incident escalated to a murder-suicide, reflecting a pattern of domestic violence and conflict following separation.
Authorities identified Jason Holton as the suspect who killed Candace Joseph and another woman. Holton fled and was pursued by law enforcement on I-75, ending in his apparent suicide. The investigation involved multiple law enforcement agencies, including SWAT. Family members were present at the scene of the shooting. The case is closed with the suspect deceased.
No significant confusion reported; suspect identification and sequence of events are clear.
Jason Holton shot his estranged girlfriend Candace Joseph and another woman assisting her move-out on February 3, 2026, in Lake Butler. After the shootings, Holton fled in a pickup truck, leading to a police pursuit on Interstate 75. Law enforcement stopped the vehicle using a PIT maneuver, and Holton was found dead from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound, confirming a murder-suicide scenario.
High risk due to history of domestic conflict, firearm access, and escalation to lethal violence after separation.
Long-term estranged relationships can escalate to lethal violence, especially when firearms are accessible. Presence of a third party during move-out may increase risk. Rapid law enforcement response and inter-agency cooperation are critical in pursuit and resolution.
Estrangement after a 13-year relationship and presence of domestic conflict were key early signals.
The suspect's fleeing behavior and presence of family at the scene helped connect the case details.
Physical evidence included the firearm used in the shootings and the suspect's vehicle stopped by PIT maneuver.
Family members were at the scene during the shooting; no detailed witness statements reported.
No follow-up reports altering the initial understanding were available.
The identity and background of the second female victim remain undisclosed.