Murder Suspect From Texas Arrested In Daytona Beach Shores; In Area To See Races

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Daytona Beach Shores, FL - A fugitive wanted for murder in Texas was arrested in Daytona Beach Shores on Thursday night. 50-year-old Joe Earl Smith was found at around 10:41 PM on the night of February 23, sleeping in a white 1993 Forde Explorer int he parking lot at 2970 S Atlantic Ave. Officers recognized the vehicle from a warning issued earlier in the day by the Volusia County Sheriff's Office. Smith was taken into custody at the scene without incident. While awaiting confirmation of the warrant out of Marion County, TX, Smith told officers he had shot and killed his uncle over a land dispute in which his family had been evicted. He said that after the shooting he came to Volusia County to attend the races. Smith's being held at the Volusia County Jail without bond.

(Smith's mugshot, courtesy City of Daytona Beach Shores)

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