Jacksonville, Florida – A tragic incident unfolded in the Duclay neighborhood, resulting in the deaths of three individuals, including a 12-year-old boy and a 45-year-old man, in what authorities believe was a dispute turned violent among family members. The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office revealed that the shooting occurred on Sunday evening, sparking a devastating chain of events.
Law enforcement responded to reports of multiple gunshot victims at a residence on Preston Pines Trail around 4:26 p.m. Upon arrival, officers found a woman with multiple gunshot wounds who informed them that her son was inside the home, harming family members. Tragically, upon entering the residence, officers discovered the lifeless bodies of the 12-year-old boy, the 45-year-old man, and the suspected shooter, a 22-year-old man who appeared to have taken his own life.
Among those unharmed were two juveniles, aged 14 and 16, who were found hiding inside the residence. Initial investigations revealed that the shooter and victims were related, with the violence stemming from an argument between a father and his son. Reportedly, the altercation was provoked by racial slurs used by the son, leading to a deadly outcome.
According to JSO Undersheriff Shawn Coarsey, the son armed himself with tactical gear before fatally shooting his father and the young boy, who is believed to be his brother. The mother, also a victim of the shooting, managed to flee the scene and alert authorities. She is currently undergoing surgery at a local hospital, with no update on her condition provided.
Authorities recovered two firearms at the scene, including a handgun and a long gun, shedding light on the shooter’s history of mental health issues. The devastating incident serves as a sobering reminder of the dangers of domestic disputes escalating to such tragic outcomes. For those experiencing domestic violence, support is available through resources such as the Florida and Georgia Domestic Violence Hotlines.