Local

Persons of interest sought in Arlington hotel death

The nationwide manhunt continues for three suspects wanted for shooting and killing a man in an Arlington hotel over the weekend.

A man and two women were captured on surveillance footage leaving the Candlewood Suites on Jane Street not far from Merrill Road.

Police said they left in a silver Kia Optima, and they frequent Orlando, Tampa, Atlanta, Georgia, and Seattle, Washington.

Affiliates in those cities say they have not received any tips from the public or police.

Police aren't saying where the shooting happened, but staffers referred to a room on the second floor.

A chunk of wall is missing outside a room on the second floor. The hotel is undergoing renovation but only on the first floor.

Cathy Conner stayed in the hotel Sunday night with friends and says no one made any mention of the death. So she didn't know about it until Action News Jax told her.

“A little scary,” Conner said. “I'm glad we're not staying there another night.”

Police believe the victim and suspects had some type of interaction and, ultimately, a confrontation.

Hotel staff says the renovations and the shooting have hurt business.

Action News Jax spoke to Daniel Varnes from Hilliard as he was considering staying at the hotel from out of town but ultimately decided to go elsewhere.

“Anytime there's a tragedy, it always bothers me,” Varnes said. “Really concerns me a lot about the violence and terrible things going on.  It's just a shame.”

Action News Jax reached out to the owner of the hotel. He did not wish to make a comment.