A man wanted for reportedly shooting and killing his uncle in Texas over a land dispute was apprehended Thursday after he came to Volusia County for the races, police said.

  • Texas man wanted for murder found in Daytona Beach Shores
  • Joe Earl Smith, 50, was in town for the races, police said
  • He was wanted on a murder charge out of Texas

Daytona Beach Shores Police located Joe Earl Smith, 50, who was a fugitive wanted for a murder that occurred in Texas.

Smith was found sleeping in a white 1993 Ford Explorer in the parking lot of the office building located at 2970 S. Atlantic Ave. Officers recognized the vehicle from a BOLO issued earlier in the day by the Volusia County Sheriff's Office's crime center.

Smith was taken into custody at the scene without incident, police said.

While waiting for confirmation on the Marion County, Texas, warrant, Smith told officers he shot his uncle over a land dispute in which his family had been evicted, according to a news release.

Smith then told police that he drove to the Volusia County area after the shooting to attend the races.

Smith was taken to the Volusia County Branch Jail. He's being held without bond.