Kyle Simpson, a 50-year-old veteran from Jacksonville, FL, was tragically killed on February 6, 2017. Simpson was shot multiple times in the driveway of his home on Native Dancer Court in Jacksonville's Northside. The incident occurred when Simpson returned home around 2:30 p.m. and interrupted a burglary in progress. Upon entering his garage, he was confronted by the burglars and subsequently shot.
The Jacksonville Sheriff's Office reported signs of forced entry at Simpson's home, indicating that the burglars had broken in before his arrival.
The investigation quickly led to the arrest of 19-year-old Maleek Deointe Williams, who was charged with murder and armed burglary. Surveillance footage from the neighborhood played a crucial role in identifying Williams. The footage showed a black sport-utility vehicle leaving the scene, which was later found parked outside Williams' home. During questioning, Williams cooperated with the police and admitted to shooting Simpson. A live .45-caliber round was found in Williams' pocket at the time of his arrest, and similar casings were discovered at the crime scene.
Further investigation revealed that Williams was not acting alone. A second suspect, Perty Bernard Mathis, also 19, was later arrested and charged with second-degree murder and burglary. Mathis was implicated in the crime after Williams provided information about another burglary involving Mathis. Both suspects were believed to be involved in a series of burglaries in the Northside area around the time of Simpson's murder.
The case highlighted the importance of community surveillance systems, as the video footage from neighbors and the entrance to the Saddlewood subdivision was instrumental in securing the arrests. The tragic death of Kyle Simpson, a respected veteran and community member, left a profound impact on his neighbors and the broader Jacksonville community. The legal proceedings against Williams and Mathis continued as the authorities sought justice for Simpson and his family.
