Demeshia Gainer, 32, was fatally shot in the early morning hours of May 4, 2024, in the parking lot of a Daily’s gas station on Roosevelt Boulevard in Jacksonville’s Fairfax neighborhood. The shooting happened about 5:30 a.m. after Gainer arrived at the station in a black four-door sedan with a man who was wearing all-black clothing; surveillance footage shows the two arriving together and the man running south on Roosevelt Boulevard after the shots were fired.

Police reviewed surveillance video and interviewed witnesses who were at the station but said they didn’t notice anything unusual until after the shooting. On May 8, 2024, Isaiah Hawkins, 33, was stopped during a traffic stop and taken into custody for an interview; he was later arrested and charged with murder in connection with Gainer’s death. Authorities have not released a motive or described the relationship, if any, between Hawkins and Gainer.

Family and friends held a candlelight vigil at the scene to mourn Gainer, born July 24, 1991, and neighbours expressed frustration and concern about safety in the area. If anyone witnessed the shooting or has information about the man seen leaving the scene, please come forward to investigators.