News and Investigations

An argument at the Shady Cove Bar & Grill near Haines City on Sunday afternoon, May 1, 2022, turned deadly when gunshots were exchanged, leaving one dead and another injured. The suspect, who was also injured, was captured a short time later by deputies from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.

31-year old Joshua Badillo of Haines City was captured at his residence shortly after the shooting.

A 54-year old Plant City man was taken to an area hospital with a gunshot wound to his chest, but passed away after he arrived.

A 32-year old man from Lakeland was also taken to a local hospital with gunshot wounds to his hand and groin, and he is listed in stable condition.

“From everything we’re seeing, the suspect instigated everything, pestering the group repeatedly. He shot one man, then got into a gunfight with another…all, basically over nothing. It’s absolutely senseless.”- Grady Judd, Sheriff

Sheriff Judd briefs the media on Facebook live.

Deputies responded to the scene at about 5:12 p.m. after it was reported that someone had been shot in the parking lot.

According to witnesses, Badillo, who was a frequent visitor at Shady Cove, got into a verbal disturbance with members of a motorcycle group. The disturbance calmed down and the group went to an outside bar area, and then Badillo went out and began harassing them some more, and was asked to leave.

As Badillo was walking across the parking lot toward his truck and words were still being exchanged, Badillo turned back toward the group, pushed past several people and shot the 32-year old victim.

The 54-year old victim immediately ran outside from the bar and shot at Badillo, who retreated to his vehicle. The two men continued shooting at each other as Badillo drove away.

After Badillo was captured, he was taken to a local hospital for his injuries, and currently remains hospitalized in stable condition.

Joshua Badillo is being charged with: 1st Degree Murder (FC), Attempted 1st Degree Murder (F1), and Tampering with Evidence (F3).