Samuel Mayes, a 43-year-old African American man from Palatka, Florida, tragically lost his life on February 14, 2021. The incident occurred on a Saturday afternoon when Palatka police responded to a shooting in the 300 block of North 11th Street. Upon arrival, officers found Samuel Mayes suffering from a gunshot wound to the head. He was immediately transported to the Putnam Community Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.
The investigation quickly led to the arrest of 33-year-old Draneisha Bellamy, also from Palatka. Bellamy was taken into custody without incident and charged with second-degree murder. She remains in the Putnam County Jail without bond. The relationship between Samuel Mayes and Draneisha Bellamy has not been disclosed, and further details about the circumstances leading to the shooting have not been made public.
The case has drawn significant attention in the local community, with many seeking justice for Samuel Mayes. The legal proceedings against Draneisha Bellamy are ongoing, and she faces serious charges that could result in a lengthy prison sentence if convicted. The tragic death of Samuel Mayes has left a profound impact on his family and the Palatka community, highlighting the devastating consequences of gun violence.
