News Summary
An 18-year-old has been charged with murder after a shooting in Jacksonville, Florida, resulted in the death of a 39-year-old man. The altercation arose during an attempted vehicle theft, bringing attention to rising concerns over crime in the community.
Jacksonville, Florida – An 18-year-old named Andre Thomas has been charged with murder following a shooting incident that occurred on May 15, 2025. The shooting resulted in the death of a 39-year-old man, Donte Swan, who succumbed to his injuries after being shot twice by Thomas during a confrontation over attempted vehicle thefts.
The incident took place in a residential area on Wheat Road near Ricker Road. According to the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office (JSO), Swan was attempting to confront a group that he found breaking into cars on his property. This confrontation escalated rapidly when Thomas, who was part of the group, pulled out a firearm and shot Swan.
At the time of the shooting, Thomas was 17 years old. However, he has since turned 18, prompting the State Attorney’s Office to file charges against him as an adult. He was already in custody for an unrelated charge when detectives obtained a warrant for his arrest in connection with Swan’s death.
As part of its ongoing investigation, the JSO has confirmed that it is actively seeking to identify and charge additional individuals involved in the incident.
Details of the Incident
The shooting incident unfolded when Thomas and his accomplices arrived at Swan’s property after having stolen a different car earlier that day. The group’s intent was to commit further vehicle thefts. When Swan confronted them, Thomas escalated the situation by introducing a handgun and firing it at Swan, resulting in life-threatening injuries.
After being shot, Swan was transported to a local hospital, where he later died from his injuries. His tragic death highlights ongoing concerns surrounding vehicle thefts and violence in residential neighborhoods.
Legal Proceedings
Since the incident, Thomas has been formally charged with murder, bringing significant attention to the accountability of gun-related crimes. The decision to charge him as an adult reflects the severity of the crime, regardless of his age at the time of the shooting.
The JSO has been diligent in their investigation, which remains active. Officials have acknowledged their need to track down other individuals who were part of the group that engaged in the car thefts, indicating a broader issue with crime in the area.
Community Impact
The community is reeling from this incident as residents grapple with the implications of violence and property crime in their neighborhoods. Community leaders are expected to engage in discussions about how to address these issues and improve safety for local residents.
In conclusion, the case against Andre Thomas serves as a critical example of the challenges law enforcement faces in dealing with youth crime and the effects of gun violence. As the investigation progresses, the Jacksonville community remains on alert, hoping for resolutions that foster safety and security.
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Additional Resources
- KATV: Jacksonville Man Charged with Capital Murder
- First Coast News: 18-Year-Old Charged in Shooting During Car Robberies
- NWA Online: Suspect Arrested After Fatal Shooting
- News4Jax: Opening Statements Set for Jacksonville Murder Case
- Wikipedia: Crime in the United States
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.



