Local
Jacksonville Police Investigate Death of Man Found in Durkeeville Vacant Lot
A man found unresponsive in a vacant lot on Barnett Street in Durkeeville died at a hospital, prompting a Jacksonville Sheriff's Office homicide investigation. The cause of death is pending an autopsy, and detectives are seeking witnesses.
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. â The Jacksonville Sheriff's Office Homicide Unit is investigating the death of an adult man who was found unresponsive in a vacant lot in the Durkeeville neighborhood on Saturday night.
According to the sheriff's office, patrol officers spotted the man lying in the lot in the 1400 block of Barnett Street at about 9:30 p.m. They found him unresponsive and administered initial first aid while awaiting the arrival of Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department personnel.
Fire and rescue crews transported the man to a local hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
Homicide and Crime Scene Unit detectives responded to the scene and have taken over the investigation. Sgt. Highfill of the JSO said the circumstances surrounding the man's death remain unknown and that no witnesses have been identified.
The cause of death is pending an autopsy by the Medical Examiner. The sheriff's office said no further information was available as of Sunday morning.
Authorities are asking anyone with information about the incident to contact the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office at 904-630-0500 or jsocrimetips@jaxsheriff.org, or Crime Stoppers at 866-845-TIPS.
The death adds to concerns in Durkeeville, a historically Black neighborhood just northwest of downtown Jacksonville that has long grappled with disinvestment and vacant properties. Community advocates have repeatedly called for increased resources and attention to public safety in the area.
The investigation is ongoing.