On January 23, 2025, officers in Jacksonville, Florida, responded to a distress call on College Circle South, where they discovered the lifeless body of Sierra McKenzie, a 33-year-old Black woman, lying in a pool of blood on the sidewalk. The Medical Examiner's Office later confirmed that she had died from a gunshot wound. The tragic incident sent shockwaves through the community, prompting an intensive investigation by the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office.
Authorities soon identified a
suspect in the case: James Antonio Hunter, a 45-year-old man. Hunter was already wanted for other violent crimes, including a separate double shooting that had occurred just four days before McKenzie's murder. In that earlier incident, Hunter allegedly committed a home invasion robbery on Main Street, where he shot two individuals in the head. Both victims survived. The U.S. Marshal’s Task Force apprehended Hunter earlier in February on outstanding warrants, and further investigation linked him to McKenzie's murder.
Detectives utilized advanced forensic technology to connect Hunter to the crime scene. Evidence gathered by the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office indicated that Hunter was responsible for McKenzie's death. As a result, he was charged with second-degree murder. In addition to this charge, Hunter faced multiple counts related to the previous home invasion, including attempted murder, home invasion robbery with a firearm, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
McKenzie's family, devastated by the loss, spoke out about their grief and their hope for justice. Her daughter, Kamya Cockfield, described her mother as a kind, happy, and outgoing person. She expressed her desire for closure, stating that justice would bring peace to their family and the broader Black community.
Hunter remains in custody at the Duval County Jail without bond as legal proceedings continue. Authorities have emphasized their commitment to using all available resources to combat violent crime and ensure justice for victims like Sierra McKenzie, the 33-year-old Black woman whose life was tragically cut short.
