FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WFFT) — The murder suspect who detectives arrested Tuesday night claims he did not intentionally shoot the victim after an argument took place in a Fort Wayne hotel earlier in the day, according to court documents.
According to a probable cause affidavit, the first witness told Fort Wayne detectives that 28-year-old Joseph A. Rose "began puffing up and trying to act tough" to the victim, Myquel Middlebrook while in a room at Hawthorn Suites on Lima Road.
Joseph Alan Rose
A second witness in the room reportedly told detectives the two men were arguing about a Facebook post.
During this incident, the witness claims that Rose pulled out a silver and blue gun and aimed it directly at Middlebrook and shortly after the witness said she got in between Rose and Middlebrook then told Rose to lower his gun.
The second witnesses reported to police that she heard Middlebrook shout at Rose "go ahead and shoot me!"
Shortly after the witness stated that Rose shot Middlebrook in the chest and he took off running.
Middlebrook was pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics.
After allegedly shooting Middlebrook inside the hotel room, the affidavit reports that Rose ran off to get help from a friend, who is the third witness who detectives spoke with.
According to court documents, the third witness told police that shortly after letting Rose enter his apartment he "started to pace back and forth" then he "started crying and stated that he had done it, that he shot and killed someone.
The witness then states that Rose pulled his gun out and ordered him to help him out by driving him away.
During his questioning, Rose allegedly told detectives that Middlebrook "was pushing and being aggressive" with the to witnesses in the room prior to the shooting.
Court documents show that Rose "he told Myquel [Middlebrook] to just leave several times, but Myquel refused."
When Rose picked up a gun that was on the bed, court documents state that "Myquel charged at him and the gun just went off."
Just after 6:45 p.m. Tuesday, Fort Wayne Homicide Detectives arrested Rose on a preliminary murder charge after finding him in the 5700 block of Falls Drive.
Rose is being held at the Allen County Jail without bond.
His next hearing in court is on Jan. 25.
You can view the full probable cause affidavit below.
