Family Seeks Justice: Unanswered Questions Persist One Month After Corey Denmark’s Tragic Death

In Jacksonville, Florida, the family of 49-year-old Corey Denmark is still seeking answers nearly a month after he was tragically shot outside a local shopping center. They are urging anyone with information to come forward.

“Tomorrow marks 30 days,” shared Cynthia Hughes, Denmark’s mother. “30 days without my son.”

Authorities report that Denmark was discovered with gunshot wounds in the parking area of the Paxon Shopping Center on Edgewood Avenue at approximately 8 p.m. on December 10. While another individual was injured in the incident, they survived. Unfortunately, Denmark did not.

“I visited the medical examiner’s office, where they showed me a picture of my baby,” Hughes recounted, tears in her eyes.

The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office said the investigation remains active, but detectives have not released information about a suspect or what led up to the shooting. According to police records, officers responded to more than 100 calls for service at the Paxon Shopping Center in 2025.

Denmark’s sister, Felicia Hughes, said her brother was not lingering at the shopping center that night.

“This area has been known for foolishness,” she said. “My brother worked across the street at Nationwide. That’s why he was over here, he wasn’t hanging out.”

Denmark had worked at Nationwide Mattress and Furniture for nearly 10 years, where he was known as a dedicated employee and a source of joy for both coworkers and customers.

“We’ll never find anybody that’s going to replace him,” said coworker Travis Ross, who added that Denmark trained him when he first started. “He was proud to tell people he did. I took it as an honor.”

Family described Denmark as a devoted father of two and a man with a contagious spirit.

“It’s quiet now,” Felicia Hughes said. “Corey was the life of the party.”

He was also known for his love for the Florida Gators.

“He made all of us wear Florida Gator colors for his service,” Felicia recalled.

Denmark also loved to dance, a memory his mother holds close.

“That was the last time I danced with my son,” she said.

Felicia said the family has endured loss before, but Corey’s death has reopened old wounds.

“We have not moved on,” she said. “We’re still in the same spot as the night it happened.”

Now, the family is calling for justice.

“He deserves justice,” Felicia said. “Justice means sitting in a courtroom watching you pay for what you did. It could be your brother, your father, your mother, you’d want justice the same way we want it. We deserve answers.”

The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office confirmed the case remains active. They did not confirm if any arrests have been made.

Anyone with information is urged to contact the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office or Crime Stoppers at 866-845-TIPS.