A tragic incident unfolded in Panama City, Florida, on December 13, 2024, when a heated family argument escalated into a deadly shooting. Newell Mock, a 67-year-old man, fatally shot his daughter-in-law and her husband before turning the gun on himself. The attack occurred while the couple’s two young children, aged 5 and 7, were asleep in their home, fortunately unharmed.
The sequence of events began with a violent argument between Newell Mock and his wife, Rhonda Mock, 65. The dispute intensified, and at some point, Newell armed himself with a handgun. In response, Rhonda fled their home, seeking safety. Newell, in a fit of rage, drove to the home of his wife’s daughter, Jessica Johns, and her husband, Josh Johns, both 40. He forcefully entered the residence and opened fire on the couple, striking them multiple times.
At the time of the shooting, Jessica and Josh’s young children were asleep in their bedrooms. Despite the traumatic nature of the attack, the children were not injured. The family was left to deal with the aftermath of an unimaginable tragedy, with both parents being targeted in what police later described as a targeted attack.
Emergency calls were made, and police quickly arrived at the scene. Upon arrival, they found Newell Mock sitting on the front porch of the house, holding the gun. Officers attempted to de-escalate the situation, but Mock refused to cooperate. Tragically, he then fatally shot himself, ending the standoff. Inside the home, Joshua Johns was found dead, while Jessica Johns was critically injured. She was treated at the scene and rushed to the hospital for further care.
The police launched an investigation into the motives behind the attack. While specific details regarding the nature of the argument between Newell and Rhonda Mock were not immediately released, authorities indicated that the violence was likely fueled by Newell’s anger toward his wife. Police Chief Mark Smith suggested that when Rhonda fled their home, Newell’s rage shifted toward her daughter and her family as a way to hurt his wife. Investigators also noted the possibility that Newell may have been under the influence of alcohol at the time of the shooting.
The children were informed about the tragic events the following day, on December 14. While the family grapples with the emotional toll of the loss, support from the community has been overwhelming. A GoFundMe page was set up by Molly Vise, a sister-in-law to Joshua Johns, to help with medical bills, funeral expenses, and other household needs while Jessica Johns recovers. The campaign quickly gained traction, raising over $95,000, far surpassing its original goal of $8,000.
This tragic incident highlights the devastating impact of domestic violence and the ripple effect it can have on families. The violence not only claimed the life of an innocent man but also left a mother critically injured, and two young children left to cope with the aftermath of a violent tragedy. As the investigation continues, the community remains focused on supporting the victims and their loved ones as they navigate this unimaginable loss.
