Andrew Jerome Stephens, a 53-year-old deacon at the Pentecostal Church of God in Christ in Jacksonville, Florida, tragically lost his life on April 15, 2014. His body was discovered by a maintenance worker who noticed smoke emanating from his apartment. Upon arrival, firefighters found Stephens' smoldering remains, revealing a gruesome scene. The investigation determined that Stephens had been shot, stabbed, and his apartment set on fire in an attempt to cover up the crime.
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Jacksonville Sheriff's Office quickly identified two suspects in connection with Stephens' murder: Keshia Qwenay Love and her fiancé, Darrius Lerone Jones. Love, who had been living with Stephens along with her infant child, was charged with second-degree murder, armed robbery, and arson. Jones faced similar charges, including murder, arson, armed robbery, and possession of a weapon by a felon. The motive behind the crime was determined to be robbery, as the couple attempted to use Stephens' credit card shortly after the murder.
During the investigation, it was revealed that Love and Jones had dropped off their baby at an acquaintance's home before committing the crime. They then returned to Stephens' apartment to destroy evidence by setting it on fire. Love sustained injuries from the fire, which led to her arrest. The police also recovered a .22-caliber revolver from Jones, which was identified as the weapon used in the shooting.
In the subsequent legal proceedings, Love pleaded guilty to second-degree murder, armed robbery, and arson. She agreed to testify against Jones, who continued to face charges for his involvement in the crime. The case highlighted the tragic consequences of violence and the impact it had on the community, particularly the congregation at Stephens' church, who mourned the loss of their beloved deacon.
