OKEECHOBEE — A 63-year-old Okeechobee man has been charged with first-degree murder in connection with a Dec. 18 shooting.

According to the Okeechobee County Sheriff’s Office report, on Dec.18, at 6:22 pm, deputies responded to the 5800 block of Northwest 30th Street in reference to a shooting.

Upon arrival, deputies found a 58-year old male victim, who had suffered a gunshot wound to the leg, was unconscious. Deputies performed CPR and provided medical attention until Okeechobee County Fire Rescue (OCFR) arrived. OCFR continued medical procedures, but were unable to save the man.

Following many hours of interviews and investigation, OSCO detectives were able to piece together the case. On Dec. 22, Danny Ray Payne, 63, was arrested and charged with shooting a missile into a dwelling (bond $250,000), attempted first-degree murder (bond $500,000) and first-degree murder (no bond).

Payne is being held in the Okeechobee County Jail.