Neighbor remembers Jacksonville woman, 23, killed in murder-suicide

Neighbors of a woman killed in a murder-suicide in Jacksonville said they did not know she was in a dangerous relationship.

Action News Jax first reported about the deaths of the couple on Manotak Ave. on Monday.

Since then, Action News Jax reporter Letisha Bereola learned Jazzmin Ways and Kenneth Gibson were found dead in an apartment.

Jazzmin Ways, 23, has ties to Dayton, Ohio but neighbors said she called the Manotak Ave. apartment complex home.

Michalle Blake said Ways was friendly.

‘She was a sweet girl,” Blake said. “Just nice, neighborly.”

Blake would also see 24-year-old Gibson around the property from time to time.

Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office said he killed Ways inside her apartment on Monday.

“Her, I would always see on the inside, checking the mailbox or going to the store,” Blake said. “I would see him outside the gate. I would wave, he would wave. Not very talkative.”

According to the Violence Policy Center, there isn’t a comprehensive national database that documents the death toll of murder-suicides in the U.S.

The organization started collecting data in 2002.

The most recent findings suggest there are nearly 22 murder-suicides per week, with 89 percent committed by males.

Ninety-three percent involve a firearm in the U.S., according to the organization.

Each case leaves behind families and neighbors on both sides wondering if anything could have been done to save a life.

Action News Jax learned Gibson was released from prison two years ago after serving four years for charges including burglary and grand theft.

Cox Media Group