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In a shocking turn of events, a mass shooting erupted in Jacksonville’s Magnolia Gardens area, leaving four individuals wounded, including a teenage girl. The incident unfolded on Wednesday night amidst a gathering reportedly linked to a romantic dispute, as confirmed by local law enforcement.
According to the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, the altercation escalated when a group of over 15 people converged on Begonia Road around 6 p.m. The confrontation quickly turned violent, resulting in gunfire that struck four victims. The injured included three women, aged 47, 22, and 20, along with a 17-year-old girl, all of whom sustained at least one gunshot wound.
In the immediate aftermath, the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Service responded swiftly, transporting one of the women in critical condition. However, later updates from the Sheriff’s Office brought some relief, indicating that all victims were in stable condition and expected to survive their injuries.
Lieutenant Frederick Dash of JSO’s Robbery and Violent Crimes Unit provided additional insights during a news briefing. The initial investigation revealed that the large gathering was primarily driven by tensions surrounding a romantic relationship, which tragically spiraled into violence.
After an initial investigation, Lt. Dash said that police learned that a large group of “at least” 15 people had gathered in the street for a fight related to a romantic relationship some of them were involved in.
Police were looking for three men for questioning Wednesday night. Lt. Dash described them as Black men, wearing dark clothes and surgical masks, who left the scene in a silver SUV shortly after shots were fired.
The exact motivation for the shooting, nor the number of shooters, was not immediately known. Lt. Dash said it is not believed to have been gang-related.
Anyone with additional information on the shooting or any suspects is asked to contact JSO directly at 904-630-0500 or anonymously through Crime Stoppers.