News Summary
William Bell Jr. has been arrested in connection with the strangulation murder of Steven Hopkins, which occurred in November 2023. Authorities linked Bell to the crime through DNA evidence and identified him as the primary suspect. At the time of his arrest, he was already incarcerated for other offenses. The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate the case, which has raised concerns about local violence and the challenges in solving personal disputes in such crimes. The community seeks justice for Hopkins and clarity on the incident.
Jacksonville – In a significant development, William Bell Jr. was arrested in early September 2025 for the strangulation murder of 50-year-old Steven Hopkins, a crime that dates back to November 2023. The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office (JSO) confirmed Bell’s arrest, linking him to the case of Hopkins’ death.
On November 30, 2023, law enforcement responded to a welfare check request for Stephen Hopkins at his home on Merrill Road. Upon their arrival, officers made a grim discovery; Hopkins had been strangled to death, and his apartment showed signs of a struggle, having been ransacked. Two knives were located next to his body, raising questions about the circumstances surrounding his death.
Through investigative efforts, authorities identified Bell as the primary suspect. At the time of the arrest, he was already incarcerated at Florida State Prison, where he is serving time for other offenses. JSO has charged him with several serious felonies including murder, armed robbery, sexual battery, and false imprisonment.
Crucial to the investigation was DNA evidence retrieved from a shirt found at the crime scene, which has significantly bolstered the case against Bell. Additionally, the arrest report, albeit heavily redacted, suggested that a possible argument between Bell and Hopkins might have stemmed from a theft involving Bell’s brother. This detail has led investigators to believe that the dispute could be linked to the motive for the violent crime.
Following his arrest, William Bell Jr. is now being held in the Duval County jail where he awaits further legal proceedings. The nature of the charges against him reflects the severity of the alleged crimes and the ongoing pursuit of justice for Steven Hopkins.
This incident highlights the challenges law enforcement faces in solving violent crimes, particularly those involving personal disputes. The collection and analysis of forensic evidence, such as DNA samples, continue to play a crucial role in crime scene investigations, affirming their importance in establishing connections between suspects and criminal acts.
The murder of Steven Hopkins shocked the local community and underscored ongoing concerns about violence. As the legal process unfolds, authorities hope to bring clarity and closure to the case as well as to the victim’s family.
The arrest of William Bell Jr. not only renews attention to this tragic crime but also serves as a reminder of the persistent efforts by law enforcement to address violent offenses in Jacksonville and beyond. As the case progresses, further updates are anticipated, outlining the next steps in the judicial process.
The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding this and other recent crimes, emphasizing their commitment to public safety and welfare.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Teenager Hospitalized After Shooting in Jacksonville
Suspension of Jimmy Kimmel’s Show Sparks Controversy
FCC Chairman Critiques Jimmy Kimmel Over Controversial Remarks
Jimmy Kimmel Live! Faces Indefinite Suspension Over Controversial Remarks
ABC Suspends ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live!’ Following Controversial Remarks
24-Year-Old Arrested for Murder of Off-Duty Police Officer
Tragedy as Tyler Robinson Charged with Murder of Activist
Tragic Shooting Shakes Utah Community
Tyler Robinson Charged with Murder of Charlie Kirk
Controversy Erupts Over Investigation into Charlie Kirk’s Assassination
Additional Resources
- Action News Jax
- Wikipedia: Jacksonville
- First Coast News
- Google Search: Jacksonville Murder Arrests
- News4Jax
- Google Scholar: Violent Crime Investigations
- Fox 35 Orlando
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Crime Scene Investigation
- Jacksonville.com
- Google News: Jacksonville Police Arrests
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.
