Kelven McBride, a 43-year-old African American man, was found dead on August 12, 2018, in Jacksonville, Florida. His body was discovered near a home on West 30th Street in the Moncrief area of Northwest Jacksonville. The Jacksonville Sheriff's Office responded to a report of a person shot at around 2:30 a.m. Upon arrival, they found McBride's body outside the residence.
The initial investigation revealed that McBride had been shot, and homicide detectives were called to the scene to begin their investigation.
The investigation into Kelven McBride's death led to the detention of Shelton Lamar Garvin, a 39-year-old man, who was arrested on August 13, 2018, on a charge of possession of a weapon by a felon. Garvin, who had a criminal record including drug and grand theft convictions, was being investigated as the potential shooter. According to court records, two individuals who lived at the residence where McBride was found stated that McBride had come to the house to buy drugs from Garvin, also known as "Peas." They reported that McBride went to Garvin's room, where he was subsequently shot. Following the shooting, Garvin allegedly packed up and left the scene. Officers found a .25-caliber handgun in Garvin's boarding room, hidden inside an air vent, and confirmed bullet holes inside the room.
Despite the arrest, the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office had not yet classified the shooting as a murder, as the investigation was ongoing. The incident reports did not provide a clear motive for the shooting, and authorities continued to gather evidence and testimonies to piece together the events leading up to McBride's death. The community was urged to come forward with any information that could assist in the investigation, and Crime Stoppers offered a way for individuals to provide tips anonymously.
Kelven McBride's death was a tragic event that highlighted the ongoing issues of violence and crime in the Moncrief area of Jacksonville. As the investigation progressed, the community and McBride's family awaited justice for the loss of a man described as having a kind spirit and a sense of humor. The case remained under scrutiny as detectives worked to uncover the full circumstances surrounding the fatal shooting.
