News Summary
Samijo Hemans has been found guilty of second-degree murder in the brutal killing of his wife, Catherine, at their Jacksonville home. The conviction came after a bench trial and highlights the ongoing issues of domestic violence in the community. In a separate case, authorities arrested William Bell Jr. in connection with a two-year-old homicide, marking a significant step towards justice in Jacksonville. Both cases raise critical discussions around safety and crime in the area.
Jacksonville – A 33-year-old man, Samijo Hemans, has been convicted of second-degree murder for the brutal killing of his wife, Catherine, in May 2021. Hemans’ conviction was announced on September 16, 2025, following a bench trial.
The incident occurred at the Kings Crossing Apartments on Old Kings Road, where Hemans admitted to striking Catherine with a metal pipe shortly after she and their baby returned home. Approximately 45 minutes after their arrival, a confrontation escalated when Hemans hit Catherine, resulting in a struggle over the weapon. Catherine ultimately succumbed to her injuries, suffering multiple blows from the pipe.
During the trial, Hemans insisted that there had been no argument leading up to the violent act. However, he did mention that Catherine had engaged in performing “voodoo” on him for years. Hemans is currently awaiting sentencing, with legal experts suggesting he may face a life sentence in prison.
In another significant development, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office has made a crucial breakthrough in a two-year-old homicide case with the arrest of 41-year-old William Bell Jr. The arrest took place on November 30, 2023, during a routine check when officers discovered the body of a 50-year-old man who had been strangled inside a home.
Following an extensive review of evidence and detailed interviews, investigators connected Bell to the homicide. He faces a murder charge along with four additional felony counts linked to the incident. Currently, Bell is being held at the John E. Goode Pretrial Detention Facility as he awaits further legal proceedings.
The arrest of Bell has been viewed as a significant resolution for the Jacksonville community, which has been grappling with the aftermath of violent crimes. The ongoing efforts of the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office to ensure public safety and justice highlight the necessity for closure for victims and their families affected by such incidents.
In response to the public’s interest in the case, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office has made resources available, including Bell’s arrest report and booking photo. This transparency is critical for a community still affected by loss and violence.
The series of events stemming from these cases underscores an ongoing demand for justice in Jacksonville. Both murders have left lasting impacts on the community, prompting discussions about safety, support resources, and preventative measures against domestic violence and crime.
As the legal proceedings continue, communities are urged to remain engaged in discussions about justice and support for victims of violent crimes. The legal outcomes of both Hemans and Bell will be watched closely as the public seeks answers and assurances of safety in their neighborhoods.
Both cases serve as stark reminders of the tragic consequences of violence and the need for continued vigilance and community support.
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Additional Resources
- Hoodline: Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office Arrests Suspect in 2023 Merrill Road Murder Case
- Jacksonville.com: Man Dies in Police Shooting After 90-Minute Standoff
- News4Jax: Man Charged in 7-Year-Old’s Murder Arrested for 3rd Murder Case
- First Coast News: KSOO Murder Trial Day 6 Livestream
- Action News Jax: Jacksonville Man Faces Trial for Shooting Over Dinner Bill
- Wikipedia: Violence
- Google Search: Jacksonville crime
- Google Scholar: Domestic violence Jacksonville
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Criminal justice
- Google News: Jacksonville murders
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.
