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Man arrested for murder of transgender woman in hotel near St. Johns Town Center

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A man was arrested by the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office for the murder of black, transgender woman Celine Walker.

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Celine Walker was killed at a hotel near the Town Center in February of 2018. JSO says her family called her Erica.

JSO arrested Sean Phoenix in Walker's death.

Jail records show Phoenix was arrested in late August. Investigators said he confessed yesterday.

JSO Chief of Investigations T.K. Waters said, "During the interview the suspect admitted to the shooting, and admitted shooting multiple times, during an argument inside the hotel room."

JSO said Phoenix and Walker had a previous relationship, but didn't go into further detail.

Police also said Phoenix admitted to selling the gun he used to kill Walker to get rid of it as evidence.

JSO said DNA found on Walker's body matched Phoenix.

Local transgender advocate Paige Mahogany Parks was relieved to hear about the arrest.  Parks said, ""Thank God he got arrested! Thank God JSO has done their job!"  Parks added, "Now the transgender community in Jacksonville can feel a lot more safer than we have been."

Phoenix's charges include murder and evidence tampering.  He is due in court on October 3.

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