What began as a routine welfare check at a Southside apartment in January has turned into a homicide case that is now heading toward arraignment. A 47-year-old Jacksonville man is in custody after police say he sexually battered and killed a woman inside a Southside apartment, capping a months-long probe that led to a grand jury indictment this spring and a transfer to the Duval County Jail at the end of June. Court records show the case is slated to move to arraignment in mid‑July.
Suspect identified, indicted and taken into custody
JSO’s Homicide Unit has identified 47-year-old Raymond Jackson Jr. as the suspect. Investigators say he was indicted on May 21 on charges of murder, sexual battery and burglary with assault or battery. According to News4JAX, Jackson was transferred from the Florida Department of Corrections to the Duval County Jail on June 29 and was arrested the following day after a pursuit that involved Nassau County deputies.
What investigators say
District 3 patrol officers were called to perform a welfare check at an apartment on the 4000 block of Sunbeam Road, off San Jose Boulevard, on Jan. 23. When officers went inside, they found a woman who had been attacked, and she was pronounced dead at the scene, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office reported, according to Action News Jax.
Legal next steps
Court records show an arraignment is scheduled for July 13 at the Duval County Courthouse. Jackson faces the listed felonies and is set to appear before a judge on that date, according to News4JAX. He is presumed innocent until proven guilty, and prosecutors may pursue additional charges as the investigation continues.
Southside context
The Sunbeam Road corridor has seen other violent episodes in recent years, a persistent reminder of safety concerns for nearby residents. A high-profile killing at a nearby convenience store led to a manslaughter conviction earlier this year; see Hoodline’s coverage of the Sunbeam Road Circle K showdown.
