NORTH PORT, FL – A Florida man, Joshua Nareau, 24, is facing over two decades in prison after pleading no contest to the murder of his grandfather, James S. Khoury, during a somber family funeral service. Circuit Judge Shannon H. McFee sentenced Nareau to 246 months, approximately 20 1/2 years, crediting him for time already served.
During the funeral, Nareau took to the podium, reflecting warmly on the man he called “Grampy.” He expressed deep gratitude for the role Khoury played in his upbringing, describing him as not only a grandfather but a father figure. Unbeknownst to the mourners, the loving tribute concealed a dark reality.
The grim incident unfolded on December 28, 2023, when Khoury’s wife made a frantic 911 call around 5:15 a.m. Khoury was found by deputies outside his home with a gunshot wound to his chest. Despite paramedics’ quick arrival, Khoury, who also served as a beloved deacon at his local church, was declared dead on the scene.
While law enforcement processed evidence, Nareau was found sitting quietly nearby. In conversations with deputies, he relayed that his grandmother had called him post-shooting, prompting him to rush over from his nearby residence.
In an interview, Khoury’s wife recounted the tragic morning, detailing how she heard a gunshot mere moments after Khoury left the house. She hurried outside, only to find her husband mortally wounded. She quickly retreated indoors and called for help, a chilling account that painted a vivid picture of the brief but devastating event.
Her statement to detectives contradicted Nareau’s version, particularly his assertion regarding a supposed sniper threat he claimed she mentioned. Investigators found no evidence supporting his narrative.
A painstaking investigation led deputies to a crucial discovery—a projectile lodged in a pine tree suggested the shooter’s vantage point was near where Nareau reportedly approached the house. The trajectory alluded to his potential involvement, matching the travel path data from his cellphone, which revealed activity inconsistent with his initial alibi.
A forensic analysis indicated the projectile came from a rifle owned by Nareau. The confirmation arrived on February 14, solidifying the case against him. Although authorities have not disclosed a motive, the mounting evidence pointed toward Nareau’s culpability.
The tragic situation drew a reaction from law enforcement, with Charlotte County Sheriff Bill Prummell acknowledging his team’s diligent work. He expressed hope for community reassurance and urged continued support and prayers for Khoury’s grieving family as they continue to navigate their profound loss.
