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Florida

Florida man wanted for murder nabbed at church where sheriff was guest speaker: 'The devil is in the details'

John Skeen is accused of murdering his friend while on a fishing trip in Ruskin, Florida

Paul Best By Paul Best Fox News
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A churchgoer was hauled out of a sanctuary hall by deputies and arrested for murder on Sunday morning in Polk County, Florida, – all while Sheriff Grady Judd spoke at the service. 

The sheriff's office announced the unusual arrest of 56-year-old John Skeen, who was wanted out of Hillsborough County for allegedly shooting and killing his friend during a fishing trip on Friday. 

John Skeen

John Skeen, 56, was arrested and charged with second-degree murder for allegedly shooting and killing his friend during a fishing trip.  (Polk County Sheriff's Office)

Deputies in Polk County located Skeen at the church after learning that he was in attendance and were able to get him outside without disrupting the service. 

FLORIDA FATHER ARRESTED FOR ALLEGEDLY SHOOTING AT NAKED ROOMMATE WHO GOT IN BED WITH TEENAGE DAUGHTER: POLICE

Skeen allegedly asked deputies if he could go back inside to "dedicate his life to the Lord before going to jail." Deputies compromised by taking a moment to pray together before transporting Skeen to jail. 

"You could say that the devil is in the details," the Polk County Sheriff's Office said, noting that Sheriff Judd was a guest speaker at the service. 

Grady Judd

Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd was speaking at a church service on March 12 when a murder suspect was arrested.  (REUTERS/Bill Cotterell)

Skeen was staying at a home over the weekend in Ruskin, Florida, for a fishing trip with two friends. A verbal altercation broke out after the men returned home from a bar and Skeen allegedly opened fire on his friend, leaving him dead with a gunshot wound to the upper body. 

His defense attorney, Jeffrey Constantinos, told Fox News Digital that the shooting was in self-defense. 

"Mr. Skeen was forced to act in self-defense and has cooperated with law enforcement," Constantinos told Fox News Digital. "Once the State's investigation is complete, it will be evident that Mr. Skeen acted lawfully."

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Skeen is facing one count of second degree murder with a firearm. 

Paul Best is a breaking news reporter for Fox News Digital and Fox Business. Story tips and ideas can be sent to Paul.Best@fox.com and on Twitter: @KincaidBest.