Curtishia Jovan Poythress, a 34-year-old African American woman, tragically lost her life on April 23, 2017, in Orange Park, Florida. Curtishia was born on October 25, 1982, in Metairie, Louisiana, and had moved to North Florida with her family. She was a beloved member of her community and her untimely death left a significant impact on those who knew her.
On the afternoon of April 23, 2017, Curtishia was found dead in her home on Heron Nest Point in the Savannah Glen neighborhood of
Orange Park. The incident also left her mother injured and her teenage niece with minor injuries. The authorities were alerted to the scene around 1:45 p.m. and discovered the tragic aftermath of what appeared to be a violent attack.
Kenneth Leonard Poythress Jr., Curtishia's 36-year-old husband, was identified as the primary suspect in her murder. Kenneth Poythress Jr. was accused of killing Curtishia, injuring her mother, and harming her teenage niece. Following the incident, Kenneth fled the scene in Curtishia's car, a 2008 Honda Accord, which was later recovered from the garage of his home in Jacksonville, Florida. He was apprehended by Clay County deputies on April 26, 2017, at his Westside Jacksonville residence without incident.
Kenneth Poythress Jr. faced multiple charges, including one count of murder, two counts of attempted murder, and armed burglary. The case drew significant attention due to the brutal nature of the crime and the impact on the family and community. Curtishia's father, Antonio Hood, recounted the harrowing experience of returning home with his granddaughter to find Curtishia dead and his wife and granddaughter injured.
The legal proceedings against Kenneth Poythress Jr. were closely followed, with the community seeking justice for Curtishia and her family. The case highlighted issues of domestic violence and the devastating consequences it can have on families and communities. The tragic death of Curtishia Jovan Poythress remains a poignant reminder of the need for continued efforts to address and prevent domestic violence.
