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Friends identify victim in Riverside shooting, JSO searching for gunman

Investigators believe the victim approached the shooter during a vehicle burglary, JSO said. The subject responded by shooting the victim before fleeing the scene.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The Jacksonville Sheriff's Office is hoping to identify a subject caught on video that they believe is responsible for a deadly shooting on Tuesday.

At about 5:40 a.m., officers responded to the 2700 block of Myra Street in the Riverside area regarding a vehicle burglary. When officers arrived in the area, they found a female victim suffering from a gunshot wound, according to the JSO.

First responders took the woman to a hospital where she later died, police said.

A friend of the woman confirmed to First Coast News that Caroline Schollaert was the victim in the shooting.

Investigators believe Schollaert approached the shooter during a vehicle burglary, JSO said. The subject responded by shooting her before fleeing the scene.

"I actually heard shots," said Matt.

Matt has lived in the community of craftsman homes and duplex apartments for a year. Cheryl Plair has been there much longer. She lives a few houses down from the crime scene.

"I was having a cup of coffee when I heard the shots," she said.

Plair said she has waved to Schollaert, her neighbor. She said Schollaert was friendly but told First Coast News she did not know her well. 

According to a GoFundMe created by Schollaert's friends, she was a "devoted daughter, loving fiance and fearless Coast Guard member." The fundraiser with a goal of $9,000 was created to help find "Justice for Caroline" and to help the family cover the cost of funeral expenses. You can click here to donate.

Residents told First Coast News car break-ins have been an ongoing problem in the area.

Kevin, another resident who asked First Coast News not to use his last name, worked with former Councilman Jim Love and his heart is in the community. He is stunned and upset by this tragedy.

"This person was checking cars or breaking into cars," Kevin said. "It is a terrible thing."

He said the area is steeped in history, if not wealth. He said it is quiet, but it is changing. 

"A lot of bad elements have been coming in and it is getting worse and worse," said Kevin.

The subject believed to be the shooter was captured on video prior to the shooting, police said. 

After the shooting, the subject was seen in the 2600 block of Rosselle Street and was picked up in the same area by an unknown individual driving a newer model Ford Edge, JSO said. 

 

The Jacksonville Sheriff's Office is offering a $4,000 reward from the First Coast Crime Stoppers with another $5,000 from the F.O.P. Foundation.

JSO is working to develop leads. The community and police want the person or persons behind the shooting off the streets and behind bars. In addition to searching for the murder suspect, JSO is searching for a man they believe may hold be holding information on the shooting.

"I hope they get who did this," said Plair.

Anyone with tips is urged to call the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office at 904-630-0500 or email JSOCrimeTips@jaxsheriff.org. You may also make your tip anonymously at 1-866-845-TIPS.

 

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