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Witnesses: Convicted felon shoots man after arguing over drugs

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — A convicted felon was arrested Sunday after allegedly shooting another man after arguing over drugs.

The man who was shot, 36-year-old Joseph Francis Baker, died from his injuries, Jacksonville Sheriff's Office Public Information Officer Melissa Bujeda said Thursday.

Victor Harris Howell, 48, is charged with murder, aggravated battery with a deadly weapon and two counts of possession of a weapon by a convicted felon, according to JSO's Inmate Search.

According to a JSO arrest report, Baker and his friend early Sunday morning came to Howell's home on Catoma Street, "which is a reported drug 'trap,'" the report detailed.

Witnesses told police that Howell and Baker began arguing in a storage shed about the sale of narcotics. Those witnesses also said Howell returned to the shed with an assault rifle, shooting Baker in the chest.

Baker's friend then drove him to a gas station and from there he was transported to UF Health in critical condition.

Howell was found nearby at a relative's home and told police he didn't shoot Baker with a rifle and that he only went to the shed to get his cellphone and a beer. He told police that Baker threatened him and produced a handgun. Howell said Baker being shot was the result of a physical struggle between the two of them.

Howell is scheduled to appear in court at 9 a.m. on Friday, according to the JSO inmate search.