(Marion County, FL) Yesterday afternoon, a jury found 44-year-old Jennifer Sue Hill guilty of second-degree murder following a roadside shooting in Ocklawaha that resulted in the death of 39-year-old Michael Tron Hofacker.

The incident unfolded on November 28, 2020, around 7:30 p.m. in the 3200 block of S. Highway 314A. Marion County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to the scene to investigate. Initial reports indicated Hill perceived a threat, thinking Michael had a gun, leading to a fatal shot to the head. Tragically, he succumbed to his injuries.

Eyewitness accounts suggest that Hill wrongly identified the victim as someone else named Michael. The witness, a friend of the victim, stated that the victim did not pose a threat and was unarmed at the time of the incident.

“This incident underscores why people should not take matters into their own hands and trust law enforcement,” said William “Bill” Gladson, Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney. “As the legal process continues, our hearts go out to the family affected by this deeply regrettable incident.”

Hill’s inconsistent statements during the investigation raised questions, with no evidence discovered to corroborate the victim possessing a firearm during the incident. Hill was subsequently arrested on November 29, 2020.

Hill’s sentencing hearing is scheduled for February 1, 2024, at 9 a.m.

Assistant State Attorneys Sasha Kidney and Wynn Vickers successfully prosecuted this case.