JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Tragedy struck on Easter Sunday in a Jacksonville home on the Westside, where a young man took the lives of his father and 12-year-old brother before turning the gun on himself, according to law enforcement officials.
Undersheriff Shawn Coarsey of the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office revealed that the incident came to light when the suspected shooter’s mother, wounded and shot multiple times, was discovered at the entry of the Duclay neighborhood where the family resided. Upon entering the home on Preston Pines Trail, officers were met with a devastating scene.
The 22-year-old suspect, described as biracial, engaged in a heated argument with his white father after using racial slurs, leading to the tragic events that unfolded. He armed himself with a gun, donned tactical gear, and proceeded to fatally shoot his father and young brother around 4:30 p.m. The mother managed to escape despite being shot by her son.
Inside the house during the shooting were two teenagers related to the family, who were thankfully able to hide until they were rescued by officers. The suspected shooter ultimately took his own life, leaving behind a scene of profound grief and confusion.
Amid the investigation, two firearms were recovered from the residence – a long gun and a handgun. Despite indications of potential mental health issues within the family, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office had not interacted with the suspect prior to the incident. Details regarding the identities of the individuals involved have not been disclosed at this time.
Following emergency surgery, the mother was transported to a local hospital for treatment. The community and authorities are left grappling with the aftermath of this heartbreaking tragedy, highlighting the urgent need for support and understanding in such circumstances.