Authorities say about 30 shots were fired after a late-night fight.
ORANGE PARK, Fla. — Two young women serving in the Navy were shot to death late Wednesday outside a home on Hanging Moss Drive, and a 22-year-old shipmate who lived with them was arrested at the scene, Clay County deputies said.
The shooting places a spotlight on off-base violence involving service members near Naval Air Station Jacksonville. Investigators say the case began as a personal dispute, not a random attack, and they are reviewing statements, physical evidence and recordings from nearby homes. Prosecutors will decide in the coming days whether to seek additional charges after the medical examiner issues autopsy findings and firearms testing is complete.
Deputies identified the suspect as Taylor Marques Lomax, a sailor from Birmingham, Alabama assigned to NAS Jacksonville. The victims were named as Jordyn Forrestier, 20, and Noely Makenda, 21. All three lived together at the home. Investigators said Lomax’s wife came by late Wednesday, argued with the roommates and a fight moved into the yard shortly after 11:20 p.m. Deputies say Lomax retrieved a handgun and fired repeatedly, striking both women several times. Neighbors reported a burst of rapid shots that sounded like a magazine emptied “in seconds.”
When units arrived, Lomax remained on scene and surrendered. Deputies said his wife dialed 911 and was questioned before being released. Detectives collected a handgun at the residence and marked dozens of shell casings across the front lawn and driveway. Technicians worked through the morning photographing the layout of evidence. Authorities emphasized that the incident appears isolated to the household and there is no ongoing threat to surrounding subdivisions.
The neighborhood sits within the sprawling Oakleaf Plantation community south of the Duval County line. Many residents there work at NAS Jacksonville or local logistics hubs. The base acknowledged Lomax is an active-duty sailor; information about the women’s assignments was not immediately released. In past off-base crimes, NCIS typically coordinates with local law enforcement while county detectives retain primary jurisdiction. Officials said that approach is being followed here as evidence is processed and witness statements are compared.
Lomax faces two counts of second-degree murder and is being held in the Clay County jail ahead of a first appearance expected Friday. The state attorney’s office will review the timeline, ballistics and autopsy reports to determine whether the charges remain as filed or are upgraded. Deputies completed next-of-kin notifications Thursday. Funeral arrangements for Forrestier and Makenda were not available. Investigators said any additional arrests are not anticipated but asked anyone with video from the area to contact detectives.
On Thursday afternoon, clusters of neighbors traded quiet stories near the cul-de-sac as detectives wrapped up their canvass. “It’s very scary because they’re kids,” said longtime resident Ashley Durham, who heard the bursts of gunfire while in her garage. Another neighbor said he called 911 after hearing a volley he counted as eight to 10, then ducked from his windows on instructions from the dispatcher. By evening, a small memorial of flowers and handwritten notes had formed near the curb.
As of Thursday night, deputies said the scene had been processed and cleared. The next development is the suspect’s initial court appearance Friday, with prosecutors to announce filing decisions after forensic testing and autopsy results return.
Author note: Last updated December 19, 2025.