JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A man died Friday morning after he was shot multiple times in the Brentwood neighborhood, according to the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office.
JSO said early investigation indicates that the man may have been involved in a burglary at a home on North Pearl Street, and the homeowner shot him “in defense of himself.”
“Based on what the initial thing that we’ve seen now, it appears the individual may have made entry into the home,” JSO Sergeant Highfill said during a news briefing.
The man died at the scene, JSO said. Police did not identify him.
According to Highfill, the homeowner has been detained and is being questioned in connection with the incident.
Toni Simmons, who lives in the neighborhood, described what she saw Friday morning when she stepped outside.
“A beret of lights like a lit-up Christmas tree. I know what this tape represents,” Simmons said.
She said this is not the first time someone has messed with the person who lives in the house that was burglarized.
“He had two or three break-ins in the last month,” Simmons said.
She said she has mixed emotions about killing someone in self-defense.
“To take a human life is a very serious thing, but out of a threat of losing my life, there’s no hesitation,” Simmons said.
JSO said the relationship of those involved is still under investigation.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office at 904-630-0500, or you can reach out to CrimeStoppers at 1-866-845-TIPS.
News4JAX also reached out to JSO requesting calls for service to the burglarized home for the last few months and is waiting to hear back.