Florida authorities are investigating the motive behind the shooting and killing of a 20-year-old pastor’s son on church property. Taquion “Quan” Cotton, a 22-year-old alleged gang member, has been charged with first-degree murder in the death of Roderick Wilson Jr. The incident occurred at the Pentecostal Church of God in Winter Haven. The Polk County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a body in the church parking lot early Sunday morning.
According to Sheriff Grady Judd, there was an initial confrontation between Cotton and Wilson in the street, which involved pushing and talking. Cotton then left the scene but later returned to the church. Video footage shows Cotton and Wilson having further words in the parking lot before Cotton shot and killed Wilson. It is believed that Wilson lay in the parking lot for nearly an hour before being discovered.
Wilson, described as a “good kid” with no criminal history, was working at the church for his father. In contrast, Cotton has a lengthy criminal record with 11 felony arrests and 6 misdemeanor arrests. Despite the charges, he has no felony convictions. Cotton was quickly identified by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office’s homicide team, with assistance from his mother.
Following the murder, Cotton was located near the crime scene. When approached by deputies, he allegedly attacked a woman at her house and attempted to enter. Deputies and Cotton’s mother fought with him to bring him into custody, resulting in his mother being bitten. The firearm used in the shooting has not been found, and a reward of $5,000 is being offered for its recovery.
Authorities are still trying to determine the reason for the initial confrontation between Cotton and Wilson and are urging any witnesses to come forward. Sheriff Judd expressed the need to bring justice to Wilson’s family, describing him as a devoted Christian.
Cotton faces multiple charges, including first-degree murder, burglary with battery, kidnapping, and discharging a firearm in a residential area. The investigation into the tragic incident continues.
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