Two Men Arrested in Christmas Eve Killing in Jacksonville

Amen Mathis and Gregory Woods charged with 2nd-degree murder and felon in possession of a firearm

Jan. 29, 2026 at 9:39pm

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The Jacksonville Sheriff's Office has arrested 38-year-old Amen Mathis and 60-year-old Gregory Woods in connection with the Christmas Eve killing of 55-year-old Kenneth Lockhart. Lockhart was found with multiple gunshot wounds on St. Augustine Road and passed away before receiving medical attention. Surveillance footage showed Lockhart in an argument with two men who then shot him before fleeing the scene.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing issue of gun violence and homicides in Jacksonville, which has seen an increase in violent crime in recent years. The arrests of Mathis and Woods provide some closure for Lockhart's family, but also raise questions about the factors that contribute to such tragic incidents around the holiday season.

The details

According to police, officers responded to a shooting on St. Augustine Road near Emerson Street on Christmas Eve and found Lockhart with multiple gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Surveillance footage showed Lockhart in an argument with two men, who then shot him and fled the area. Mathis was arrested early Christmas morning, while Woods was identified as the second suspect and apprehended by the U.S. Marshals Task Force on January 28th. Both men are being held in the Duval County jail and face charges of 2nd-degree murder and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

  • On Christmas Eve, police responded to a shooting on St. Augustine Road around 11:30 PM.
  • Amen Mathis was arrested early on Christmas morning.
  • Gregory Woods was arrested by the U.S. Marshals Task Force on January 28, 2026.

The players

Amen Mathis

A 38-year-old man arrested and charged with 2nd-degree murder and felon in possession of a firearm in connection with the Christmas Eve killing of Kenneth Lockhart.

Gregory Woods

A 60-year-old man arrested and charged with 2nd-degree murder and felon in possession of a firearm in connection with the Christmas Eve killing of Kenneth Lockhart.

Kenneth Lockhart

A 55-year-old man who was killed in a shooting on Christmas Eve in Jacksonville, Florida.

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What’s next

The judge will determine whether Mathis and Woods will be granted bail at an upcoming hearing.

The takeaway

This tragic incident underscores the need for continued efforts to address the root causes of violence in Jacksonville and ensure public safety, especially during the holiday season when emotions can run high.