News Summary
Josiah Luis Martinez, a 24-year-old man, has been arrested on second-degree murder charges following the shooting death of Kenneth Mobley Jr. The incident occurred at Copeland’s restaurant, where Mobley was shot while allegedly meeting someone. He was transported to a hospital but was pronounced dead shortly after arrival. The community is in shock as law enforcement continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the tragedy and seeks justice for the victim’s family.
Jacksonville – A 24-year-old man, Josiah Luis Martinez, has been arrested on charges of second-degree murder in connection with the shooting death of 38-year-old Kenneth Mobley Jr. The arrest took place on July 28, 2025, following an extensive investigation into the June 11 incident that occurred in the parking lot of Copeland’s restaurant located on Southside Boulevard.
Kenneth Mobley was shot in the chest while at the restaurant, reportedly to meet someone, though the details of the meeting remain unclear. Following the shooting, Mobley was swiftly transported to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival. Notably, Mobley would have celebrated his 39th birthday on June 23, just days following the tragic event.
The shooting triggered a significant law enforcement response, with the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office (JSO) deploying officers, a helicopter, drone surveillance, and K-9 units to the scene. On the same day, police detained three individuals for questioning and conducted interviews with multiple witnesses present during the incident.
Security footage from the restaurant revealed the moments leading up to the shooting, showing Mobley meeting an individual before he was shot. A gunshot was heard shortly thereafter, and Mobley was seen fleeing the scene while bleeding. The driver of the vehicle involved in the shooting, a Nissan, fled the scene immediately following the incident.
While an initial investigation led to the detention of three suspects, law enforcement has not publicly disclosed any connections between Josiah Martinez and the victim, Kenneth Mobley. Detectives are continuing their investigation in coordination with the State Attorney’s Office to seek justice for Mobley’s family.
An arrest warrant for Martinez was issued on July 25, just three days prior to his arrest. Currently, he is being held in the Duval County jail where he faces the charges of second-degree murder and related offenses.
The incident has left the community in shock, as violence in public spaces raises concerns about safety and the need for increased security measures in local establishments. As the investigation continues, authorities are urging anyone with additional information about the shooting to come forward to assist in the ongoing inquiry.
The case emphasizes ongoing challenges regarding gun violence in urban areas and the efforts of law enforcement agencies to uphold justice and maintain public safety. As detectives pursue all leads, the community waits for answers concerning the circumstances surrounding Kenneth Mobley Jr.’s untimely death. Further updates on the case will be made available as the investigation unfolds.
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Additional Resources
- First Coast News
- Wikipedia: Gun violence in the United States
- Jacksonville.com
- Google Search: Jacksonville shooting
- Fox 35 Orlando
- Google Scholar: Gun violence and public safety
- Action News Jax
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Crime
- KARK News
- Google News: Jacksonville police shooting
Author: STAFF HERE JACKSONVILLE WRITER
The JACKSONVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREJacksonville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Jacksonville, Duval County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Jacksonville Jazz Festival, Riverside Arts Market, and World of Nations Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce and JAXUSA Partnership, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and entertainment that power the local economy such as CSX Corporation, Baptist Health, and VyStar Credit Union. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
