Jacksonville homicide detectives say they have finally closed in on two men they believe were behind a 2022 apartment break-in that ended with a young man shot and dying outside a hospital.
Police have identified the suspects as 23-year-old Tyss Harris and 25-year-old Talint Curtis. Both are now facing murder and armed burglary charges in connection with the killing of 23-year-old Melvin Deon Keepler Jr. Keepler was found with a gunshot wound outside a hospital on Sept. 1, 2022, and later died.
What Happened in September 2022
According to the Jax Sheriff's Office, a tenant at an apartment complex off Kernan Boulevard reported that three masked men forced their way into a unit and that shots were fired during the intrusion. The man who later died was identified as Melvin Deon Keepler Jr. His obituary lists Sept. 1, 2022, as his date of death, per C. L. Page Mortuary.
Detectives say their investigation has tied that violent break-in and the gunfire to Harris and Curtis, who they allege were among the masked intruders.
How the Arrests Unfolded
Talint Wayne Curtis was arrested in Lynn Haven after what authorities describe as a coordinated operation involving the U.S. Marshals Florida Caribbean Regional Fugitive Task Force and local deputies, according to WJHG. The outlet reports that Curtis was wanted on second-degree murder and armed burglary charges and was taken to the Bay County Jail following his capture. Officials say he was taken into custody without incident.
Earlier Arrest and What Detectives Say
The sheriff’s social media post states that Harris was arrested on June 24, 2025, with help from a U.S. Marshals task force. Investigators say they have determined that Keepler Jr., Harris and Curtis were the masked intruders who forced their way into the Kernan Boulevard apartment.
The same post notes that Curtis was booked into the Duval County jail on Feb. 27 after his transfer. The Jax Sheriff's Office is asking anyone with information to call detectives at 904-630-0500. Authorities have not released a possible motive or any upcoming court dates as the case moves toward prosecution.
What’s Next
Prosecutors in Duval County will review the investigative files and decide on formal charges and scheduling. Harris and Curtis both face serious accusations as the case moves through the system, and investigators say they are still encouraging anyone with additional tips to come forward while they build the case for potential trial.
