Walter Zelaya-Mendoza, a 17-year-old male, was found dead on November 10, 2017, along a path in Jacksonville, Florida. His body was discovered in a wooded area behind homes on Melissa Court, between Ricker Road and Old Middleburg Road North. The Jacksonville Sheriff's Office reported that he had suffered at least one gunshot wound to the head. Neighbors recalled hearing gunshots earlier that morning, between 10:30 a.m. and 11 a.m.
The location where his body was found was near Gregory West Elementary School and a basketball court frequently used by children.
Witnesses, including several children, saw the body, and the sight left a lasting impact on those who encountered it. One resident, Amber Mintz, described the experience as terrifying, stating that she started crying and running upon seeing the scene. Authorities did not recover any weapons at the site and were searching for surveillance footage to aid in their investigation. The Sheriff's Office encouraged anyone with information to come forward.
In January 2020, Jacksonville police arrested Ny’Qwez Margwon in connection with the shooting death of Walter Zelaya-Mendoza. The arrest marked a significant development in the case, which had remained unsolved for over two years. The investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crime continued as authorities worked to piece together the events leading up to the fatal shooting.
