In the wake of this shocking incident, LGBTQ+ advocates are raising their voices, demanding justice and accountability after what began as a neighborhood dispute culminated in violence. This confrontation left McFarlane, a resident of Green Street in the Murray Hill area, gravely injured, shot in the back, and partially paralyzed, mere steps from the safety of his own home.

Supporters of McFarlane assert that he was nearly killed during the altercation that took place on November 22. Details from the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office arrest report recount McFarlane’s account of the events. He explained to authorities that he was simply gathering discarded furniture near his residence with the intention of using it for a bonfire when tensions flared as his neighbors emerged, angrily insisting he vacate their property.

Detectives have pieced together the subsequent escalation. Allegedly, a verbal argument ensued, during which the female neighbor advanced towards McFarlane wielding a belt. In a tragic turn, moments later, her boyfriend, identified by police as Tyler Getchell, allegedly fired a single, devastating shot that struck McFarlane in the back.

Detectives say a verbal argument followed. Investigators say the female neighbor walked toward McFarlane holding a belt, and moments later her boyfriend, identified by police as Tyler Getchell, fired a single round that hit McFarlane in the back.

A police report states that video provided to officers shows McFarlane standing on the easement, not on his neighbors’ property, during the confrontation.

McFarlane survived but is now partially paralyzed and faces a long recovery, including intensive medical care and rehabilitation, advocates say. They also say he cannot work for the foreseeable future. A GoFundMe has since been created.

Court records and McFarlane’s supporters point to what they describe as earlier incidents between the neighbors, including signs with anti-LGBTQ+ language posted facing McFarlane’s home and feces smeared on his walls.

Echo Nova, an LGBTQ+ advocate, said the shooting capped what they view as a pattern of targeted hostility.

“This is an escalation of a series of hate attacks on Kyle and his home,” Nova said. “When you attack one of us, you attack all of us.”

Nova and other advocates are urging prosecutors to take a closer look at the case and consider additional charges. They argue the circumstances should be examined as a possible hate-motivated crime.

“This is quite a blatant hate crime itself,” Nova said. “There is no reason to be hateful toward people, no matter their sexuality, their gender, their religious denomination, their nationality, their economic standing. There’s no need for hate, and there’s no need to act on that hate in such violent measures either. The community is here standing with Kyle.”

Getchell is charged with attempted murder and is being held in the Duval County Jail. His girlfriend has not been charged at this time.

We have reached out to the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office to ask whether investigators are treating the incident as a potential hate crime.

The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office said they are investigating the shooting, and the determination on whether or not it’s a hate crime based on Florida State Statute would come later.

Getchell’s next court appearance is scheduled for Dec. 16 at 9 a.m.