JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A 21-year-old man is facing murder and weapons charges in the shooting death of his girlfriend’s 26-year-old ex-boyfriend on New Year’s Eve, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office said.
The victim, whose name was not released, was found with a gunshot wound at the Club at Town Center apartment complex on St. Johns Bluff Road near the intersection of Alumni Way. He died at the hospital.
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According to the arrest report, 21-year-old Jerome Whitesides and the victim got into an argument in the parking lot of the apartment complex and Whitesides shot him. Police said Whitesides told them he acted in self-defense but surveillance video from the complex showed the victim was not armed when Whitesides shot him in the face.
JSO said Whitesides and his girlfriend walked right past the victim “nearly stepping over his body.”
Whitesides was arrested on New Year’s Day on charges of second-degree murder, tampering with evidence, felony marijuana possession and possession of a firearm by a juvenile delinquent.
Whitesides’ girlfriend, Jessica Rennard, 24, has been arrested and charged with tampering with evidence.
#JSO has made an arrest in the investigation of a murder that occurred in the area of 3700 St. Johns Bluff Road.
— Jax Sheriff's Office (@JSOPIO) January 2, 2021
Jerome Whitesides (B/M, 21) has been charged with Possession of a Firearm by a Juvenile Delinquent, Tampering with Evidence, Felony Possession of Marijuana, & Murder. pic.twitter.com/Fvzr4SX1cY
Police said the pair hid the gun used in the shooting and that a large amount of marijuana was found in Whitesides’ apartment.
Jacksonville ended 2020 with 176 homicides, including at least 152 that involved firearms.