A man has been arrested in connection with a woman's homicide on Pickettville Road in Jacksonville. The woman, identified as 49-year-old Kristie Lee Murray, was found deceased with a severe head injury. Police were alerted to the scene in July by citizens who reported seeing a body in the Marietta area of Jacksonville, as shared in a recent social media post by the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office.
Upon arrival, officers uncovered evidence of a struggle, and the medical examiner later determined Murray's death to be a homicide. Warren Abernathy, 41, emerged as the primary suspect in the case. Found separate of the homicide, investigations led to Abernathy's initial arrest on an unrelated burglary charge on the day Murray's body was discovered.
The Jacksonville Sheriff's Office stated, "Our Homicide and Crime Scene Units immediately jumped into action. After reviewing evidence and conducting interviews, our detectives determined 41-year-old Warren Abernathy was responsible for Ms. Murray’s death." Since Abernathy's initial apprehension, additional charges have now been filed, specifically concerning the murder of Murray.
Currently, Abernathy is being held at the Duval County jail, and the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office has expressed their commitment to working with the State Attorney’s Office to seek justice. "Your JSO arrested Abernathy the same day Murray’s body was found on separate, unrelated burglary charge. Now, Abernathy is now behind bars at the Duval County jail charged with murder," the Sheriff's Office post emphasized. The department underscores its dedication to ensuring "Ms. Murray’s family and friends receive the justice they deserve."
