JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — A shooting in Jacksonville's Duclay neighborhood left three people dead, including a 12-year-old boy, after a fight between family members turned violent Sunday evening, the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office announced.
Around 4:26 p.m., officers responded to the 7100 block of Preston Pines Trail in reference to multiple people who had been shot.
When officers arrived at the front of the neighborhood, they found a woman who was suffering from multiple gunshot wounds.
The woman told police her son was inside a nearby residence shooting family members, according to JSO.
Responding officers immediately went to the residence involved and located three people dead inside.
A 12-year-old boy and a 45-year-old man were shot to death inside the residence, and the shooter, a 22-year-old man, appears to have taken his own life, according to JSO.
Two juveniles, a 14-year-old and a 16-year-old were found hiding inside, unharmed.
The initial investigation determined that the shooter and victims were all related, and the shooting stemmed from an argument between a 45-year-old father and a 22-year-old son.
According to JSO Undersheriff Shawn Coarsey, the situation started when the 22-year-old son, who is biracial, started using racial slurs, which his father, who is white, did not like.
After an argument ensued, the son went upstairs, armed himself, and put on tactical gear including a vest, gloves and a mask, before fatally shooting his father, Coarsey said.
The 12-year-old boy, whom police believe is the suspect's brother, was also shot and killed.
The woman believed to be the suspect's mother was shot multiple times but was able to run out of the house and call police, according to Coarsey.
Coarsey said the woman was undergoing surgery at a local hospital and was in critical condition.
Two guns were found at the scene, including a handgun and a long gun, according to police.
The family told police the shooter had a history of mental health issues.
"JSO has not had any mental health issue contacts with him, but the family said he has had some," said Coarsey.
Police did not release the names of the people involved and said next of kin had not been notified.
The sheriff's office spent hours with Townsend Road blocked off while they investigated the scene, catching the attention of several neighbors.
“I live in the area, right around here," said Charleem Ortiz. "I tell you that our children are not safe. It’s Easter, a day for peace and family, not to have that stuff around here.”
Ortiz says she moved to Jacksonville from Puerto Rico 15 years ago. One of the main reasons – for the safety of her family.
After seeing police lights fill up Townsend Road on Easter, she’s wondering if they’re really that much safer.
“I can drive, anybody, but I got seven kids," said Ortiz. "Anybody can pass around here, and that bullet doesn’t have a name.”
Another neighborhood was shocked to hear the gruesome details of the shooting on Easter.
“It’s shattering for me," said Isaias Figueroa. "It gives me anxiety. This is one of those days that you think to yourself, ‘This could never happen.’”
If you or someone you love is experiencing domestic violence, the Florida Domestic Violence Hotline is: 1-800-500-1119 or visit their website here, and the Georgia Domestic Violence Hotline is 1-800-344-2836 or visit their website here.