News Summary
Winthrop DeForest, a 41-year-old from Jacksonville, has been arrested for attempted murder following a shooting incident at the Red Roof Inn. The accused allegedly shot a woman in her 20s during a dispute over a financial transaction. The victim survived and is recovering from non-life-threatening injuries. DeForest, a convicted felon, now faces serious charges and has a bond set at over $1 million. The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office is investigating the incident, which has raised community safety concerns.
Jacksonville – Winthrop DeForest, a 41-year-old man from Jacksonville, has been arrested and charged with attempted murder following a shooting incident on May 4, 2025, at the Red Roof Inn located on Harts Road. The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office (JSO) reports that DeForest is accused of shooting a woman in her 20s in the face. Thankfully, the victim survived the attack and was transported to UF Health where she is being treated for non-life-threatening injuries.
DeForest, a convicted felon with a history of prior offenses including robbery and trespassing, is now facing serious charges, specifically attempting second-degree murder with a weapon and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. His bond has been set at over $1 million, precisely $1,100,006.
Authorities were able to identify DeForest through witness accounts and law enforcement databases. During their investigation, a handgun was found and recovered at the scene. According to witnesses, the incident escalated from a disagreement between DeForest and the victim. Reports suggest that the victim was allegedly engaging in prostitution, and DeForest became upset regarding the financial transaction that had occurred before the shooting.
Incident Details
During the confrontation, the victim indicated that DeForest was angry about the money he had previously paid her, leading to the violent outburst. Furthermore, police entries mention that there is a possibility DeForest might have been under the influence of a substance referred to as “ice,” which contributed to his aggressive behavior.
The shooting has raised concerns regarding safety in the area, leading to an increased police presence and further investigations by the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office. The shocking nature of the crime has caught the attention of the community, raising awareness about issues of violence and substance abuse.
Legal Background
As a convicted felon, DeForest’s possession of a firearm is in violation of the law, which prohibits such conduct. His history of felony convictions will likely play a significant role in the legal proceedings against him. DeForest was already in custody at the Clay County Jail prior to this incident but was transferred for pre-trial detention on September 24, 2025. The legal process will unfold as DeForest faces serious charges that carry substantial penalties.
Ongoing Investigation
The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate the case and gather further evidence. The investigation seeks to uncover any additional facts that may have contributed to the circumstances surrounding the shooting. Authorities urge anyone with information about the incident to come forward to assist in their inquiries.
This incident serves as a reminder of the prevalence of violence in recent years and the importance of community safety initiatives. As the case unfolds, the Jacksonville community awaits further developments regarding the fate of Winthrop DeForest and justice for the victim.
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Additional Resources
- First Coast News: Attempted Murder at Red Roof Inn
- WOKV: Jacksonville Man Arrested for Attempted Murder
- SAO4th: Guilty in Roadway Shooting
- Action News Jax: Man Arrested for Attempted Murder in Road Rage Incident
- Wikipedia: Attempted Murder
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Crime
- Google Search: Attempted Murder
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.
