Willie James Dornes Jr., a 65-year-old African American man, was tragically killed on January 6, 2018, in Jacksonville, Florida. Known affectionately as "Frog," Dornes was remembered as a happy and friendly individual who was well-known in his community. His death occurred outside a Shell gas station on Edgewood Avenue, where he was shot multiple times by a younger man.
This incident was part of a violent spree that also involved an attack on a young mother just minutes before Dornes was killed.
The events leading up to Dornes' death began when a 31-year-old mother confronted a speeding motorist in her neighborhood. The confrontation escalated when three men from a black Ford Expedition attacked her, with one of them attempting to shoot her. Fortunately, the gun did not fire, and the woman and her children managed to escape. Shortly after, the same group of men, still in the black SUV, were involved in a stabbing and homicide near the same area. The SUV was later seen at a hospital with a man who had been stabbed and stolen items, including a motorized dirt bike and Hoverboard, in the back.
Police investigations revealed that the three men were on a terrorizing spree in the neighborhood that afternoon. Alvin James Gaines, 27, was charged with armed robbery in connection with the assault on the woman. Kendre Shelton Mann, 26, was charged with accessory after the fact in Dornes' death. Donovan Arsenio Smith, 27, was identified as the third man involved but had not been arrested at the time. Smith was later arrested and charged with the murder of Willie Dornes.
Dornes' death was a stark reminder of the violence that plagued the streets of Jacksonville. His family and friends remembered him for his ever-lasting smile and kind spirit. The community mourned the loss of a man who never met a stranger and was always willing to help others. The investigation into his death highlighted the senseless violence that can erupt in neighborhoods and the devastating impact it has on families and communities.
