James Jamie Shirley, 36, of DeBary, Florida, was shot and killed on June 17, 2022 after an evening altercation in the Hampton Inn parking lot. Surveillance footage captured the interaction between Shirley and Sammy McKnight Jr. before McKnight shot Shirley five times. Shirley ran to a nearby IHOP but collapsed and died from his injuries.

Shirley graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Biology from Florida State University and worked as a research assistant in the FSU Bioscience Lab on stem cell, cancer, and genetic studies. Family and friends remembered him for his love of the outdoors, fishing, animals, and his pets.

After the shooting McKnight stole Shirley’s light-blue 2007 Cadillac CTS and fled. He was later arrested and charged with first-degree felony murder, carjacking with a firearm, burglary while armed with a firearm, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. The Volusia Sheriff’s Office led the investigation.

If anyone knew Jamie or witnessed the events that night, can you share what you remember?