Ryan Mark Chesser, a 33-year-old white male, tragically lost his life on January 19, 2019, in Jacksonville, FL. The incident occurred in the early hours of the morning at his residence on Brian Lakes Drive North in the Adams Lake subdivision. Chesser, along with his cousin Eric James Bryant, 32, was fatally shot in what authorities have identified as a murder-suicide.
The suspected shooter, Jacoby Lamar King, 26, also died at the scene from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
The Jacksonville Sheriff's Office reported that King, who had previously dated Chesser, ambushed the group as they returned home. King had seen Chesser earlier in the evening and followed him back to his residence. Upon their arrival, King opened fire, killing Chesser and Bryant, and critically injuring two other individuals. The two surviving victims were rushed to the hospital with serious injuries. Before being taken to the hospital, one of the injured victims was able to identify King as the shooter.
The investigation revealed that the attack was not random. Evidence and witness statements indicated that King had planned the ambush. The neighborhood, typically quiet and peaceful, was shaken by the incident. Neighbors described the home as having a high turnover of residents and noted that it was not unusual to see many people and cars coming and going.
Ryan Mark Chesser was remembered by family and friends as a vibrant and loving individual. He was born on January 16, 1986, in Jacksonville, FL, and had a twin sister and a brother. Chesser was known for his enthusiasm for life, his love for water and snow skiing, competitive swimming, traveling, and dancing. His sudden and violent death left a deep void in the lives of those who knew him.
The case was classified as a murder-suicide, and no further arrests were made. The Jacksonville Sheriff's Office continued to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting to ensure all aspects of the case were thoroughly examined. The tragic event highlighted the devastating impact of domestic violence and the importance of addressing such issues within the community.
