Jacksonville Police Charge Second Gunman in Fatal Shooting
The Jacksonville Sheriff's Office issued an arrest warrant for Dequan McDonald regarding the murder of Giavonathan Butler.
Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Crime — General
Detectives have officially linked 21-year-old Dequan McDonald to the May 29 shooting death of 40-year-old Giavonathan Butler. McDonald, already in custody at the Duval County jail, now faces charges as the second gunman in the case.
Why it matters
The development follows a lengthy investigation into the shooting, which began after an argument occurred between Butler and another suspect at a Jacksonville motel. Authorities identified McDonald as a participant after linking ammunition found at the scene to evidence recovered during the investigation.
Dequan McDonald faces charges as the second gunman in the homicide case while currently held at the Duval County jail. Detectives obtained the arrest warrant for McDonald on October 28 following an investigation that began in May.
The players
Dequan McDonald
He is a 21-year-old individual currently in police custody who has been charged as the second gunman in a fatal shooting.
Giavonathan Butler
The 40-year-old victim was killed during a shooting incident at a Jacksonville motel.
Alfred Jones III
The 25-year-old suspect was the first individual arrested in connection with the homicide.
Jacksonville Sheriff's Office
This local law enforcement agency is responsible for policing the city and conducting the investigation into the homicide.
The details
Evidence collected at the scene on Golfair Boulevard, including 9mm rounds found near a fence, helped investigators connect McDonald to the shooting of Giavonathan Butler. Alfred Jones III, who was arrested shortly after the crime, reportedly told a witness he was tired of individuals challenging him prior to the incident.
Timeline
May 29, 2026: The shooting occurs at a motel on Golfair Boulevard.
May 31, 2026: Alfred Jones III is taken into custody by authorities.
July 2026: Dequan McDonald is arrested on unrelated vehicle burglary and theft charges.
October 28, 2026: Detectives secure an official arrest warrant for McDonald.
Legal Context
This case follows the standard investigative protocols established for tracking multiple suspects in homicide cases within the jurisdiction. It reflects the ongoing efforts by local law enforcement to resolve open shooting cases through the forensic analysis of recovered ballistics.
The identification and charging of a second suspect brings a new phase to the local criminal proceedings. Residents in the area of Golfair Boulevard may see continued legal activity as the case moves toward court proceedings.
The takeaway
Investigators emphasize that thorough evidence collection, including ballistics matching, remains critical in identifying accomplices long after a crime occurs. Residents are encouraged to report any relevant information regarding open investigations to local authorities.
Further reading
For more information on local law enforcement activity, visit the Jacksonville Crime — General page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by News 4 Jax.
