Joseph Jamal Hester, a 20-year-old Ocala man, has been detained on an arson charge after reportedly setting his grandfather’s family house on fire. The blaze destroyed a building owned by the family for over five decades.
Authorities arrested Hester, known locally as “Jamal,” last Friday after a coordinated manhunt involving the Ocala Police Department Intelligence Unit, the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, and the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force, WCJB reported.
Law enforcement tracked Hester to a Dunnellon residence. Upon their arrival, officials report that the suspect attempted to evade capture by fleeing into the woods, though he eventually gave up after an encounter with a K-9 officer.
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In addition to the charge of arson, Hester is facing charges of criminal mischief and burglary related to past incidents at the family home.
Firefighters were called to the location at roughly 6:15 a.m. on July 3, and the fire destroyed Hester’s grandfather’s house on Southwest Fourth Street.
The homeowner and suspect’s grandfather, Joseph Hester, informed TV20 that day that he suspected his grandson was to blame after informing Jamal Hester that he could no longer stay at the house.
“This is my home,” Joseph Hester said. “I’m just down, just hurt… he took my whole life, everything I own, and the truck was the only thing I had.”
Joseph Hester explained that the home, which his mother had built in 1969, had been a part of his family for more than 50 years. He is currently homeless and looking for a new place to live.
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Even in light of the current situation, Joseph Hester continued to express compassion for his grandson.
“I don’t want to see my [grandson] in jail, but when you’re wrong, you should deal with the punishment,” Hester added.
Locals said that security footage taken from a nearby home showed someone who looked like Jamal Hester running away from the site just minutes before the emergency calls were made.
Residents expressed surprise at the fire, as the community is typically a peaceful area where neighbours value mutual safety.
“We just moved in,” said neighbor Gladis Parker. “Everyone’s nice, you can walk down the street and it feels safe. It’s really sad to know that your family member could do that to you.”
Jamal Hester is scheduled to make his court appearance on August 11.
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Last Edited by:Mildred Europa TaylorUpdated: July 17, 2026
