On the evening of February 24, 2026, 47-year-old Palatka resident Clifford Tennant was found along a wooded trail near Carole Road, Alabama Avenue and Roddy Road after someone reported hearing gunshots and discovering a bleeding man. Deputies from the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office arrived to find Tennant had died from his injuries. Detectives interviewed neighbors and witnesses and identified a potential suspect during the initial investigation.

Working with the State Attorney’s Office for Florida’s 7th Circuit, investigators obtained an arrest warrant for 28-year-old Matthew Michael Dennis. On March 1, 2026 the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office SWAT team executed that warrant; Dennis was taken into custody and charged with first-degree murder and is being held without bond. Authorities have not released a motive as the investigation remains active.

If anyone saw activity in that area that night or has information about Tennant’s movements, please come forward.