Kim Desmond Varner Jr., a 25-year-old African American male from Jacksonville, FL, tragically lost his life on September 24, 2015. Varner, affectionately known as "Desi," was found dead outside his home on East 11th Street. The Jacksonville Sheriff's Office reported that he had been shot multiple times, and his car was also riddled with bullets. The incident occurred early in the morning, with neighbors reporting hearing gunshots as early as 5:45 a.m.
Varner's body was discovered around 7:30 a.m. by neighbors who immediately called the police.
Varner's death deeply affected the local community, especially given his background. He was the son of a retired Jacksonville Sheriff's Office officer, Kim Varner Sr. This connection to law enforcement added a layer of poignancy to the tragedy. Despite his father's career, Varner Jr. had a criminal history, including arrests for carrying a concealed firearm, resisting arrest, and providing false information to police in a missing person's investigation. These details, however, did not overshadow the grief and shock felt by his family and friends.
The investigation into Kim Desmond Varner Jr.'s death has been extensive but, as of now, remains unsolved. The police have conducted numerous searches, seized the vehicle for evidence, and interviewed neighbors and family members. They are also reviewing surveillance footage from the area in hopes of identifying the perpetrator. Despite these efforts, no arrests have been made, and the motive behind the shooting remains unclear. The community has expressed concerns about safety and the need to stand up against crime to prevent such tragedies in the future.
Varner's death is a stark reminder of the violence that can erupt even in communities with strong ties to law enforcement. His family continues to seek justice and closure, hoping that someone will come forward with information that could lead to an arrest. The Jacksonville Sheriff's Office encourages anyone with information to contact them or Crime Stoppers to help solve this case and bring peace to Varner's grieving family.
