Welland "Buddy" Short, aged 55, tragically passed away on May 3, 2016, in Green Cove Springs, Florida. He was born on January 18, 1961, in Jacksonville, Florida, and was a well-known figure in his community. Buddy was the Vice-President of Jeff’s Excavating Inc. and had been actively involved in the Green Cove Springs Volunteer Fire Department. He was also a familiar face at the Green Cove Springs Dragway, where he enjoyed spending time.
Buddy's life was marked by his love for cooking, fishing, and spending time with his family, especially his grandsons.
The circumstances surrounding Buddy Short's death were deeply tragic and shocking to the community. On the morning of May 3, 2016, Buddy and his daughter, Valorie Short, were victims of a horrific crime. Valorie was abducted at gunpoint from the Keeping It Classy Hair & Nail Salon by Murray Lancaster, her ex-boyfriend. Lancaster forced Valorie into his pickup truck and drove to Magnolia Point Golf, where he encountered Buddy Short. In a devastating turn of events, Lancaster shot and killed both Valorie and Buddy Short.
The investigation revealed that Lancaster's actions were part of a series of violent events that day. After killing Valorie and Buddy, Lancaster proceeded to a landfill on Rosemary Hill Road, where he shot and killed his ex-wife, Erica Green. Following these murders, Lancaster fled to a trailer on his property off Idlewild Avenue, where he ultimately took his own life. The authorities confirmed that Lancaster died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound before the SWAT team could apprehend him.
Lancaster had a history of violent behavior and legal troubles. In March 2016, he was arrested for battery and resisting arrest after a confrontation with Buddy Short. Additionally, Lancaster had violated a court-ordered restraining order against one of his former girlfriends. These incidents highlighted a pattern of escalating violence that culminated in the tragic events of May 3, 2016.
The community of Green Cove Springs was left reeling from the loss of Buddy and Valorie Short, as well as Erica Green. Schools in the area were placed on lockdown during the investigation, and a prayer service was held to support the grieving community. The tragedy underscored the devastating impact of domestic violence and the importance of addressing such issues to prevent future occurrences.
