On August 1, 2024, Brian Gates, 43, was found dead alongside his girlfriend inside his home on Whitlock Avenue in the Arlington area of Jacksonville. Police say a man flagged down an officer near Whitlock Avenue and Arlington Road and reported that he had shot two people inside the house. Family members identified Gates as the homeowner.

The suspect is Gates’ longtime roommate, who had been staying in the house rent-free. Relatives and friends reported recent tension between Gates and the roommate; a family friend said the roommate appeared hysterical and out of it on the sidewalk hours before the shootings and had called Gates’ mother to report the behavior. The fatal argument is believed to have begun inside the home between the roommate, Gates, and Gates’ girlfriend. The roommate was detained and investigators obtained a search warrant for the house.

Neighbors described the usually quiet neighborhood as shocked and saddened. Gates was remembered as friendly and active in volunteer work in the area. If anyone knew Brian Gates, his girlfriend, or has information about what happened that day, please come forward.