Isaac Toye, 29, faces second-degree murder and two counts of aggravated assault charges for the fatal shooting of 64-year-old Harold Whitt Harper on January 7, 2026, in Ocala’s 900 block of SE 3rd Street. Harper, an avid gardener recovering from neck surgery, was shot in the back of the head in his front yard in what police describe as a random act of violence with no known ties between victim and suspect. Toye was arrested nearby, held without bond in Marion County Jail, with his next court date on February 10.​
Incident Timeline
Around 3:30 p.m., a driver reported a suspicious man in all black flagging him down while loading a gun, prompting police response. Moments later, a second call reported the shooting; officers found Harper dead in his yard, where family said he was weeding shortly after his wife returned from grocery shopping. Toye’s son-in-law had eyed the suspect earlier; a neighbor heard the wife scream upon discovery.​
Arrest and Evidence
Police detained Toye two blocks away on SE 11th Avenue, finding a loaded 9mm handgun and extra ammo matching a shell casing near Harper’s body. Doorbell footage and witness accounts placed him at both the suspicious person sighting and shooting scene. No motive surfaced, confirming the random nature.​
Community Response
Ocala Mayor Ben Marciano praised the initial 911 caller’s quick thinking for swift arrest and vowed justice. Neighbors like Joan Zoeller mourned Harper as a friendly gardener who kept his yard pristine and greeted everyone warmly. Police assured no ongoing threat, thanking locals for tips.
