Lake Butler, a quiet corner of Union County, Florida, was rocked this week when a domestic argument turned into a deadly double homicide and a tense interstate pursuit. Around 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, deputies were called to a rural stretch near Providence after reports of gunshots. What they found shattered neighbors’ sense of safety.
When Union County Sheriff’s deputies arrived off Southwest County Road 241, Candace Joseph, 43, of Lake Butler, and a 42‑year‑old woman from San Antonio aiding her move were found shot to death. Investigators later learned the killings were not random. The suspect was Jason Eric Holton, 47, Joseph’s estranged boyfriend of more than a decade, who opened fire while family members were nearby.
The other woman had been helping Joseph move out. Sheriff’s office sources say the two had grown close, setting off an argument that quickly turned violent. Deputies working the scene were left grappling with grief and confusion as they tended to the victims and gathered witness accounts.
Holton fled the scene in a black 2020 Ford F‑150 and crossed county lines onto Interstate 75, heading south toward Alachua County. Law enforcement from multiple agencies, including Florida Highway Patrol and local sheriffs, coordinated a pursuit to prevent further violence. Traffic was halted as officers moved in.
Using a PIT maneuver to stop Holton’s vehicle near Paynes Prairie, deputies brought the truck to a halt. SWAT and rescue teams surrounded the pickup, issuing commands and trying to secure the suspect without further harm. After a tense pause, officers found Holton inside, deceased from an apparent self‑inflicted gunshot wound.
Union County Sheriff Brad Whitehead spoke of deep sorrow for the families left behind, especially the children affected by a tragedy that unfolded so suddenly. He thanked the law enforcement partners whose swift action kept others safe. Alachua County Sheriff’s officials echoed the sentiment, highlighting the teamwork that prevented additional injuries or deaths.
Investigators say the case remains open as they continue piecing together the events leading up to the shootings. Authorities urge anyone with information to contact the Union County Sheriff’s Office to help complete the picture of what led to this heartbreaking event.
