A 28-year-old suspect is in custody after investigators linked him to the fatal shooting of a Palatka resident found bleeding along a wooded trail in rural Putnam County late last week, authorities said. Deputies say the victim, 47-year-old Clifford Tennant, was discovered after a 911 caller reported multiple gunshots in the area, triggering an intensive cross-county investigation and a fast push to secure an arrest warrant.
How Deputies Say The Case Unfolded
According to WCJB, deputies responded Tuesday evening to reports of gunfire near Carole Road at the intersection of Alabama Avenue and Roddy Road. When they arrived, they found Tennant bleeding along a wooded trail, and he was later pronounced dead at the scene. Putnam County detectives launched a homicide investigation immediately after the 911 call and began collecting evidence and talking with potential witnesses in the area.
Arrest Executed In St. Augustine
On Sunday, St. Johns County units, including the sheriff’s SWAT team, executed an arrest warrant and took 28-year-old Matthew Michael Dennis into custody without incident, officials said. “I want to commend everyone who worked on this case,” Sheriff H.D. “Gator” DeLoach said, praising the multi-agency teamwork that led to the quick apprehension, as reported by News4JAX. Dennis was transported to the St. Johns County Jail in St. Augustine and is being held without bond, according to authorities.
Charges And What Comes Next
The Putnam County Sheriff’s Office says detectives presented their findings to the State Attorney’s Office for Florida’s Seventh Judicial Circuit, which led to an arrest warrant and a charge of first-degree murder, per News4JAX. Under Florida law, first-degree murder is a capital felony and, if not prosecuted seeking death, carries life imprisonment; the state statute outlines sentencing and penalty procedures, according to the Florida Statutes.
Tips And Contacts
Investigators are asking anyone with information to contact the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office at 386-329-0800. Officials also encouraged residents with tips or video to reach out through the agency’s public information channels so detectives can follow up.
