‘He was my best friend:’ Daughter seeking justice in father’s murder

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Loved ones of Philip Hetzner are still searching for answers in his murder. The 67-year-old was killed on Dec. 4 on Wigmore Street, and police are asking for help from the community.

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“It was really the biggest shock of my life. I really can’t describe how painful it was,” said Madison Hetzner.

Philip Hetzner’s daughter, Madison Hetzner, said he came into work on his off day to paint a building. She said her father was the victim of senseless violence.

“I truly thought this would never occur in my lifetime, and it’s not the case. It can happen to anyone,” she said. “It doesn’t make sense.”

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A police report said they found Hetzner’s wallet open and his drivers license out.

Investigators have recently posted a picture of a potential suspect and a silver Honda that they say was seen in the area. Within a half hour of the murder, police said the same car and the potential suspect were seen on security video along Beach Boulevard, adding the potential suspect tried going to several businesses to use Hetzner’s credit card.

Investigators said the pictures also show the potential suspect going into a business on Atlantic Boulevard on the same day.

“I’ve been kept in the loop the whole time with the detective. He seems to be doing a great job and tells me what he can but also does work behind the scenes,” Hetzner said. “I am hopeful.”

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Hetzner said her father was supposed to officiate her and her fiancé's wedding. She said he was a kind, loving person.

“He was my best friend. I talked to him at least once a day and sometimes two or three times about anything,” she said. “We just spent as much time with him as possible, all holidays together. I just wanted to spend every moment I could with him, and I’m glad I did.”

With a reward of now $10,000, she’s hoping someone speaks up.

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“I plead to people to keep their eyes open,” Hetzner said. “There’s no dumb tip in my mind.”

Anyone having any information about this is asked to contact the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office at 904-630-0500 or JSOCrimeTips@jaxsheriff.org. You can also remain anonymous by contacting First Coast Crime Stoppers at 1-866-845-TIPS.

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