On June 24, 2023, John A. Pennigsdorf Jr., a 23-year-old white male, was fatally shot outside his home in Keystone Heights, Florida. His 21-year-old sister, Charity Pennigsdorf, also a white female, sustained critical injuries in the same incident. The Clay County Sheriff's Office responded to a 911 call reporting a shooting at a residence on State Road 100. Upon arrival, deputies found John in the driveway with multiple gunshot wounds; he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Inside the home, Charity was discovered with a gunshot wound and was transported to a local hospital for treatment.
The suspect, 23-year-old John Jacob Thornton, a white male, was identified by Charity as her estranged boyfriend. Thornton had a history of domestic violence against her. On the day of the shooting, he arrived uninvited at the Pennigsdorf residence. When confronted by John and Charity and told to leave, Thornton allegedly attempted to re-enter the home, produced a shotgun, and shot both siblings.
After the shooting, Thornton fled the scene. The Clay County Sheriff's Office alerted neighboring law enforcement agencies, providing a description of Thornton and his vehicle. The Bradford County Sheriff's Office located and apprehended Thornton as he entered Bradford County from Union County.
Thornton was charged with second-degree murder and second-degree attempted murder. He was booked into the Clay County Jail without bond and was scheduled to appear in court on July 24, 2023.
John A. Pennigsdorf Jr. was remembered as a beloved son, brother, father, and friend. He was born on June 18, 2000, in Waukegan, Illinois, and was known for his love of the outdoors, including fishing and camping. He worked in concrete and landscaping. John is survived by his mother, Casandra Cis; his stepfather, Jeremy Chirico; his children, Zaiden Pennigsdorf and Aurora Bond; his siblings, Chase Pennigsdorf, Ben Lawfer, Charity Pennigsdorf, Jackie McCallister, and Emma Hatfield; and his girlfriend, Victoria Nettles.
John was laid to rest at Keystone Heights Cemetery on July 13, 2023.
