Two Men Arrested in Christmas Eve Shooting Death of 55-Year-Old in Jacksonville

Amen Mathis and Gregory Woods face murder charges in the killing of Kenneth Lockhart.

Jan. 29, 2026 at 8:31pm

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The Jacksonville Sheriff's Office has arrested two men, Amen Mathis and Gregory Woods, in connection with the Christmas Eve 2025 shooting death of 55-year-old Kenneth Lockhart. Lockhart was found with multiple gunshot wounds on the side of a business and died before receiving medical attention. Surveillance footage showed Lockhart in an argument with the two suspects, who were then seen shooting him multiple times before fleeing the scene.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing issue of gun violence and homicides in Jacksonville, which has seen a rise in violent crime in recent years. The arrests of the two suspects provide some closure for Lockhart's family and the community, but also raise questions about what led to the deadly confrontation and whether more can be done to prevent such tragedies.

The details

According to investigators, the surveillance footage showed Lockhart in an argument with Mathis, 38, and Woods, 60, before they opened fire on him multiple times. Mathis was arrested just hours after the shooting on Christmas morning, while Woods was located and apprehended by the U.S. Marshals Task Force about a month later on January 28, 2026. Both men are now facing murder charges and are being held at the Duval County Jail.

  • On Christmas Eve 2025, police responded to reports of gunfire on the 3800 block of St. Augustine Road.
  • Lockhart was found with multiple gunshot wounds and died before receiving medical attention.
  • Mathis was arrested early on Christmas morning, December 25, 2025.
  • Woods was located and 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 murder in connection with the Christmas Eve 2025 shooting death of Kenneth Lockhart.

Gregory Woods

A 60-year-old man arrested and charged with murder in connection with the Christmas Eve 2025 shooting death of Kenneth Lockhart.

Kenneth Lockhart

A 55-year-old man who was shot and killed on Christmas Eve 2025 in Jacksonville, Florida.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.