A U.S. Navy sailor assigned to Naval Air Station Jacksonville has been charged in the fatal shooting of two roommates who were also active-duty sailors, according to local law enforcement. The case is moving forward in Florida’s civilian court system and has drawn attention because all three individuals involved were servicemembers living off base.
Suspect and Victims
Clay County Sheriff’s deputies identified the suspect as Taylor Marques Lomax, 22. Lomax faces two counts of second-degree murder in the deaths of 21-year-old Noely Makenda and 20-year-old Jordyn Forrestier. Both victims were active-duty sailors and shared a residence with Lomax in Orange Park.
Lomax was taken into custody without bond and is being held at the Clay County Jail. The charges were filed under Florida law, and the case is being prosecuted by civilian authorities rather than through the military justice system at this stage.
What Investigators Say Happened
According to the Clay County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded late Wednesday night to reports of a shooting at a home on Hanging Moss Drive in Orange Park, FL. Investigators allege an argument occurred outside the residence involving Lomax’s wife and the two victims before escalating into a physical confrontation.
Authorities allege Lomax retrieved a handgun during the confrontation and fired more than 30 rounds. Both Makenda and Forrestier were struck multiple times and were pronounced dead at the scene by first responders. Investigators have not publicly identified a motive.
Wife’s Account
Following Lomax’s arrest, his wife spoke with local television outlets and offered a different account of the events. She said the two women attacked her during the argument and claimed they “started jumping me” before Lomax fired the gun. She characterized his actions as an attempt to protect her…