Santeria Williams was an 18-year-old senior at Jean Ribault High School who was reported missing by her mother on January 5, 2022 after she failed to wake for school. Two days later a passerby found her body near the Trout River in the 8000 block of Vermillion Street in Jacksonville, Florida. The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office confirmed she had suffered a gunshot wound to the neck.

The investigation resulted in the arrest of 19-year-old Jeffery Antione Edwards. He had already been in custody since January 12, 2022 on separate December 22 charges of attempted murder and armed robbery; police later charged him with second-degree murder in connection with Santeria’s death. Her family remembers her as an inspiring young woman who was preparing for senior photos and have urged the community to watch over children and ask questions about their whereabouts.

If anyone knew Santeria or has information about what happened, please share what you know.