Francis Lawrence Bowling Jr., 25, was fatally shot at the Hometown Inn & Suites on Mustang Road in Jacksonville just after midnight on February 14, 2025. He had recently returned to the St. Augustine area after working in Athens, Georgia, and was staying at the hotel with his fiancée, Maddie West; the couple were expecting a child. A 23-year-old pregnant woman who was also at the scene suffered multiple gunshot wounds and was taken to hospital in stable, non-life-threatening condition.

Jacksonville police identified 33-year-old Alvin Douglas Gay Jr. as the suspect after collecting witness statements, surveillance footage, and physical evidence at the scene. Gay was charged with murder, attempted murder, armed burglary with assault or battery, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and tampering with evidence; he initially fled but was later apprehended. The motive has not been released. Bowling’s funeral service was held March 1, 2025, at Providence Bible Church.

Are there anyone who knew Francis or who has information about the shooting that could help investigators?