St. Johns S.O. names suspect in Fruit Cove killing, Clay County standoff

The St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office (SJSO) has named Gregory Hopkins, 66, the suspect in the domestic violence killing of a Fruit Cove woman in her home on Ivy Lakes Drive, and an hours-long SWAT standoff in Clay County.

St. Johns deputies say Hopkins and the victim were involved in a relationship.

SJSO says it’s not naming the victim due to Marsy’s Law and respect for the victim’s family.

Deputies say Hopkins crashed his car into a Clay County home on Country Side Drive Sunday morning before barricading himself inside.

The Clay County Sheriff’s Office says Hopkins was found dead inside the home after an hours-long SWAT standoff.

Clay County Sheriff Michelle Cook said the suspect was found in a second-story bathtub with an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.

In a statement released Monday, the St Johns County Sheriff’s Office says it got a call Sunday morning from the Clay County Sheriff’s Office saying a man had driven his car into a house and barricaded himself inside the home.

St. Johns deputies say the suspect made statements that led investigators to the house on Ivy Lake Drive in Fruit Cove to conduct a welfare check.

After failing to contact the homeowner, SJSO deputies went inside the home, and found a woman’s body dead of traumatic injuries.

“… The CCSO exhausted numerous resources and hours in an attempt to gain G. Hopkins compliance and resolve the situation peacefully,” said the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office. “Ultimately, with the assistance of the JSO SWAT team, members of the CCSO SWAT team made entry into the residence and located the G. Hopkins deceased.

He sustained what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

The scene was secured and turned over to the CCSO Robbery/Homicide Unit for proper investigation.

This morning, Dr. Shanté Hill / District 23 Medical Examiner completed the deceased female’s autopsy.

Upon conclusion, her death was ruled a homicide, caused by gunshot wounds…” The St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office is encouraging you, or anyone you know, who may be involved in a domestic violence relationship to contact the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office either by calling 911 for emergencies or 904-824-8304 for non-emergencies.

You can also contact the Betty Griffin Center for assistance by calling their 24-Hour Help Line at 904-824-1555.

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