Man shot in chest earlier this week dies

Suspect had been arrested, charged with aggravated battery

Jacksonville Sheriff's Office booking photo of Victor Howell

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A 36-year-old Jacksonville man who was shot in the chest early Sunday morning on the Westside has died.

Joseph Francis Baker had been hospitalized in critical condition at UF Health since the shooting.

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Victor Howell, 48, was arrested and charged with aggravated battery in connection with the incident.

Two witnesses told police the men were arguing over a drug deal at a home at 6303 Catoma Street when Howell went to a storage shed in the back of the property and returned with an assault rifle, according to a police report.

The witnesses said Howell pointed the rifle at the victim and shot him, according to the report.

Howell denied shooting the victim, police said. He was arrested and booked into the Duval County jail.

Howell is a convicted felon. He's been adjudicated three times, the last in November for dealing in stolen property.