JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A 32-year-old woman was shot and killed in the parking lot of a gas station on Roosevelt Boulevard in the Fairfax neighborhood early Saturday, according to the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office.
Police said Demeshia Gainer was shot outside of a black four-door sedan that was in the parking lot of a Daily’s gas station around 5:30 a.m.
Detectives said they found surveillance footage that shows the woman arriving at the gas station in a car with a man, who is now considered a person of interest.
News4Jax Crime and Safety Analyst Tom Hackney says it is likely that police already know who he is.
“JSO let us know that they have surveillance. But if they have that, why not release it so the public could help bring this person in?” News4JAX asked.
“The fact that law enforcement isn’t reaching out to the media reaching out to say, ‘Hey, this is a video, can you help us identify this person?’ That tells them, they probably know who that is. Scratch that off the list. So, when they start looking at OK, well, who could this person be? Is this just a stranger? Or is this somebody she’s with?” Hackney said.
Hackney also said police might not want to trigger the potential suspect to destroy evidence or leave the area.
The Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department responded and tried to save the woman, but she died at the scene.
According to police, the man, who was wearing all-black clothing, ran away after the shooting and headed south on Roosevelt Boulevard.
“The subject in this particular case like that is obviously very dangerous,” Hackey said. “I mean, that seems obvious to say that, but when they when they do things that are more brazen when they do it in daylight when they do it with a lot of witnesses around.”
A woman who lives nearby, and who didn’t want to be identified, said along with being shocked, she’s also sad this happened.
“That it’s just very, there’s no reason for it. And now there’s a family that’s going through a loss. And God bless them. I can’t believe it happened in this neighborhood,” she said.
Another woman said she goes to the Daily’s at least once a day.
“I was really surprised because this is such a good neighborhood and it’s always quiet. I feel free to walk my dog at any time. I never feel like I’m in danger. I’m shocked that this happened at that Daily’s,” the woman said.
Police said they have several witnesses. However, they said they do not know the circumstances of the incident or the relationship of those involved.
Anyone with information is asked to contact JSO at 904-630-0500, by email at jsocrimetips@jaxsheriff.org or via CrimeStoppers at 866-845-TIPS.