Jacksonville Northside shooting leaves one dead as detectives detain person of interest for questioning

What authorities say happened

A man was found shot and killed Friday evening on Jacksonville’s Northside, prompting an active homicide investigation and a witness canvass that led detectives to detain a person of interest for questioning.

Police were dispatched at about 5:45 p.m. on Friday, March 6, 2026, to the 200 block of Vernis Avenue after a shooting was reported. When officers arrived, they located an adult male suffering from at least one gunshot wound. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Investigation status: interviews underway, motive not established

Detectives transported several witnesses to the Police Memorial Building for interviews. Investigators also detained a person of interest and brought that individual to the same facility for questioning.

Police have not released the victim’s name, the detained person’s identity, or any details about a possible relationship between the people involved. No charges were publicly announced in the initial hours after the shooting, and investigators indicated they were still working to determine what led up to the gunfire.

What “person of interest” means at this stage

In Jacksonville homicide investigations, a “person of interest” typically indicates investigators believe an individual may have relevant information or involvement, but it does not, by itself, mean the person has been arrested or charged.

Whether a detention develops into an arrest generally depends on the evidence gathered at the scene, witness statements, and follow-up investigative steps such as the recovery of physical evidence and verification of timelines.

Key facts confirmed so far

• Location: 200 block of Vernis Avenue on Jacksonville’s Northside.
• Time of initial call: about 5:45 p.m. Friday, March 6, 2026.
• Outcome: one man pronounced dead at the scene from at least one gunshot wound.
• Law enforcement activity: multiple witnesses transported for interviews; one person of interest detained for questioning.

How the public can provide information

Police are asking anyone with information to contact the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office at 904-630-0500 or by email at [email protected]. Anonymous tips can also be submitted through Crime Stoppers at 866-845-TIPS.

The investigation remained active as detectives continued interviews and worked to establish the events that preceded the shooting.