An investigation is underway after two people were found dead inside a Jacksonville home over the weekend, according to the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office.
Officers responded around 10 p.m. on Saturday, May 9, to Sherman Hills Parkway West in the Blue Lake Estates neighborhood for a welfare check after a neighbor became concerned about the couple, according to the sheriff’s office. The neighbor said they couldn’t contact the couple and their garage door had reportedly been open all day.
When officers arrived, they met with the complainant and later entered the home with assistance from the homeowner’s daughter.
Officers found two seniors unresponsive on the bedroom floor, who were quickly pronounced deceased.
Neighbor Val England said he woke up Sunday morning to flashing lights and crime scene tape outside the home.
“It’s just unreal, it’s unreal, this is the first time something like this ever happened to me like this, right next door,” England said.
England said he immediately knew something was wrong after seeing deputies and detectives outside the home.
“Sheriffs, detectives, I’m like something is going on that it shouldn’t be,” England said.
He also said it was unusual to see the garage left open for such a long period of time.
“You know normally when he’s in his garage, his TV on, but I’m like unusual for his garage door to be up,” England said.
England described the couple as caring neighbors who had been part of the community for years.
“Very loving couple, very helpful,” England said. “I mean, she even babysat my little daughter when I needed her to; always willing to babysit my daughter.”
According to the incident report, investigators believe this was an isolated incident and not domestic violence-related. The cause of death was not immediately identified.
Anyone with information on the incident is asked to contact the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office directly or leave an anonymous tip via First Coast Crime Stoppers.