JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — A man has been arrested after being connected to an attempted murder case at a local Jacksonville hotel, according to the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office.

The man, Winthrop Deforest, 41, was already in custody at the Clay County Jail when he was transported to the pre-trial detention facility in Downtown Jacksonville on Wednesday, Sept. 24, 2025.

On May 5, 2025, JSO deputies responded to the Red Roof Inn hotel in the city’s Northside in reference to a shooting. Police said that upon arrival, deputies found a victim in her 20s who was suffering from a single gunshot wound. She was taken to a hospital and survived her injuries.

“The initial investigation has revealed that the victim and suspect were in one of the [hotel] rooms when an argument ensued; at which time the victim was shot,” JSO Sgt. Mitlyng told press in May.

A police report from the incident reveals that the victim had been prostituting herself at the hotel when she and Deforest had met. She told police that he had gotten upset with her about the money he paid her before the incident. She also told JSO she was aware that he may have been under the influence of a substance referred to as “ice” and that the pair had not engaged in sexual contact.

Deforest is currently charged with attempted murder in the second degree and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Later investigation revealed that Deforest was previously charged in a Miami-Dade armed robbery and trespassing in Clay County. His bond is currently set at $1,100,006.