JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A 19-year-old man has been charged with two counts of second-degree murder in the deaths of a 21-year-old Jacksonville woman and her unborn son, according to the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office.
Reginald Perry Jr. was booked into the Duval County jail around 12:30 a.m. Thursday. He appeared before a judge Thursday afternoon on the charges and was ordered to be held without bond pending his arraignment on Oct. 21.
Police said the body of the woman, identified by family members as Felicia Jones, was found Saturday morning by someone walking through Riverview Park, which is just south of the Trout River off Bassett Road near Lem Turner Road. Her unborn child did not survive.
Initially, the Sheriff’s Office announced it suspected foul play. JSO later classified the deaths as murders before Perry’s arrest. A release Thursday announcing Perry’s arrest said the victims died as the result of a gunshot wound.
Perry was identified as a possible suspect in the shooting and he turned himself in to law enforcement and was arrested after being interviewed, police said.
The relationship between Perry and Jones is unclear, but Jones’ family was joyfully ready to welcome a new life. Instead, they lost both.
Jones’ family said she was due to give birth to her son, Ma’Kailand, in less than two weeks.
Her older sister said they talked every day. She described Jones as a beautiful, bright, spirited young lady who was excited about the baby and was ready to be a mom. She said she didn’t deserve what happened.
Jones’ sister said she graduated high school, went to college and was going to keep making them proud before someone decided to cut her life short.
Jones’ aunt told News4Jax that they’re now preparing to lay Jones and her unborn son to rest. A GoFundMe account has been set up to help the family with burial expenses.
AJ Jordan, outreach coordinator with MAD DADS said he’s glad the Sheriff’s Office moved quickly to make an arrest.
“I just want the family to know that the community supports them. We love them,” Jordan said. “MAD DADS is here for the family. And we’re just grieving with y’all right now.”