Fatal shooting outside Destin nightclub was 'justifiable homicide,' Sheriff's Office says

DESTIN — A shooting that killed 26-year-old José Barroetabena Morejon of Crestview outside a nightclub has been deemed a justifiable homicide by the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office. 

The decision to close the case follows a more than month-long investigation of the May 21 incident outside of Coyote Ugly on Harbor Boulevard in Destin. In a Friday news release, the OCSO said the State Attorney’s Office has reviewed and approved the findings.

Morejon was found in the parking lot about 3:30 a.m. with another victim who was taken to an area hospital. Despite lifesaving measures, Morejon died from a single gunshot wound to the torso. 

Previous coverage:Okaloosa County deputies seeking suspects in fatal shooting outside Coyote Ugly in Destin

More on the investigation:Okaloosa County deputies seeking leads in Destin shooting that killed Crestview man

Witnesses told investigators that a fight broke out after the club closed and Morejon “recklessly fired” a weapon in multiple directions, OCSO reported. A 22-year-old Montgomery, Alabama, man and his friends were in the area where the shots were being fired. 

The man told investigators he fired six to seven shots in return because he was "concerned for his safety and the safety of his friends," the release said. 

One person captured scenes from the incident on his cellphone, which helped corroborate witness statements. Evidence collected from the scene also backed up witness statements, OCSO said.