Marquis Smith, a 17-year-old from Jacksonville, Florida, tragically lost his life on February 5, 2019. He was found dead from multiple gunshot wounds near the entrance of a cemetery in the Normandy Manor area of Westside Jacksonville. The Jacksonville Sheriff's Office responded to the scene on Plants Lane, off Old Middleburg Road, around 8:20 p.m. on the day of the incident.
Initial reports indicated that Smith had been shot multiple times, but details about the exact location of the wounds or the recovery of a weapon were not disclosed at the time. The police immediately launched an investigation, appealing to the public for any information that could help solve the case.
The investigation took a significant turn when, several months later, Jerry Hinshaw, a 23-year-old man, was arrested in connection with Smith's death. Hinshaw was charged with second-degree murder and evidence tampering. According to the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office, the shooting occurred during a potential drug transaction. Witnesses reported that the altercation leading to Smith's death was related to a drug deal gone wrong. Hinshaw was accused of disposing of the firearm used in the shooting, further complicating the investigation. Despite his arrest, Hinshaw denied knowing Smith or being present at the cemetery during the incident. However, a confidential informant provided an audio recording in which Hinshaw allegedly discussed details of the murder that only someone involved would know.
The case against Hinshaw was built on witness testimonies and the informant's recording. The police were able to place Hinshaw at the scene of the crime, and he was held without bail at the Duval County jail. The Sheriff's Office stated that Smith, also known by the nicknames "Little Red" or "Red," had previously stolen drugs from Hinshaw, which may have been a motive for the shooting. Hinshaw's court appearances and the ongoing legal proceedings were closely followed by the community, as the case highlighted the tragic consequences of drug-related violence among youth in Jacksonville.
Throughout the investigation and subsequent legal battles, the community mourned the loss of Marquis Smith, a young life cut short by senseless violence. The case underscored the need for continued efforts to address the root causes of such incidents and to provide support and resources for at-risk youth in the area.
