Arrest Made in Fatal Shootout Between Brothers, Insurance Policy Possible Motive

DADE CITY – An arrest has been made in a 2022 domestic-related double shooting that left one person dead and another seriously injured.

On May 1, 2022, Sheriff's Deputies responded to 3468 Jodi West Drive after a 911 call was received from the victim, 32-year-old Michael Duran Cool who stated, "I got into an argument with my brother, and he shot me." Cool further advised that he was shot in the chest twice and that the shooter was his brother, 30-year-old James Francis Nulty.

During the call, the operator could hear Nulty in the background telling Cool to hang up the phone. Cool replied, "Dude, I'm bleeding to death, what do you want me to do?" Nulty is heard stating again, "Hang up the phone." Cool responded, "Dude, I can't. What do you want me to do, just die?" The operator could hear rustling in the background and the victim stating "Stop!"

Almost 8 minutes into the call, the 911 operator heard the victim moaning in pain and then he suddenly stopped breathing.

When deputies arrived on the scene, they located Cool deceased on the front porch of the home. Between his legs, they found a black Ruger LCR 38 Special with five spent shell casings in the cylinder. A Smith and Wesson 38 Special was located under the left leg of the victim with five spent shell casings lying in the front yard. Officials say Cool had been shot at least five times.

Nulty was located sitting next to the Cool and had suffered at least four gunshot wounds. He was transported to a trauma center where he eventually recovered from his injuries.

On December 27th, nearly two years after the shooting, Nulty was taken into custody and booked into the Hernando County Jail on 1-count of Second-Degree Murder without Premeditation. However, Detective Chris Kraft notes in his report that the victim had a $200,000 life insurance policy and that the sole beneficiary was James Nulty, the defendant.

Nulty is held without bond in the Hernando County Jail.

The Hernando County Sheriff's Office has not responded to our requests for comment.