Expert: Victims in Jacksonville triple murder likely knew killer

Based on the evidence at the scene, Action News Jax Crime and Safety Expert Ken Jefferson believes the victims in the Dec. 12 India Avenue triple murder knew the killer.

Action News Jax sources say Arielle Trotter died of smoke inhalation. She was only 11 months old.

They say her parents, Ariyan Johnson and Quasean Trotter, were shot to death.

A back window was shattered at the home in Woodland Acres near the Arlington Expressway — and there is broken glass on the ground.

Great-grandfather of Jacksonville toddler found dead: 'My world is crashing right now' The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office does suspect foul play in the deaths of Ariyan Johnson, 19, Quasean Trotter, 20, and their 11-month-old daughter, Arielle. Story | Photos

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Both panes of the glass are shattered, and the glass is directly underneath the window, as well as about ten yards beyond the window, so something came out of the house, projecting through that window,” Jefferson said.

“More than likely [the killer] was someone that [the victims] knew because there is no evidence of forced entry,” Jefferson said. “He or she may have come here and was allowed to come inside, and who knows what happened after that?”

So far, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office has said very little, leaving this family and this community searching for answers.

Suzanne Deadman didn’t even know the victims, but she visited the home to add to a growing memorial that is honoring the victims.

“I wanted them to know that there are people here in Jacksonville that care,” Deadman said.  “And I care, and I care about Jacksonville, I care about my community and I grew up in Arlington.

“Been here a long time, and it matters to me.”

Cox Media Group