In the quiet community of Palatka, Florida, a sudden act of violence shattered the evening of February 24, 2026, leading to the tragic death of 47-year-old Clifford Tennant. A resident of Palatka, Tennant was discovered along a wooded trail after a concerned individual dialed 911 to report the sound of gunshots and the discovery of a bleeding man. When deputies from the Putnam County Sheriff's Office arrived at the scene, in the vicinity of Carole Road near Alabama Avenue and Roddy Road, they
found Tennant had already succumbed to his injuries.
The investigation into the death of the male victim was swift, as detectives began interviewing neighbors and potential witnesses to piece together the events of that evening. Their efforts quickly led them to identify a potential suspect in the case. Working in collaboration with the State Attorney's Office for Florida's 7th Circuit, investigators were able to secure an arrest warrant for 28-year-old Matthew Michael Dennis.
The pursuit of justice for Clifford Tennant culminated on Saturday, March 1, 2026, when the St. Johns County Sheriff's Office SWAT team executed the arrest warrant. Matthew Michael Dennis was taken into custody and subsequently charged with first-degree murder in connection with Tennant's shooting death. He was transported to the St. Johns County Jail where he is being held without bond. While an arrest has been made, authorities have not yet released any information regarding a possible motive for the shooting as the investigation remains active.
