No answers for families after couple found dead

JSO investigating double homicide at Arlington apartment complex

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Two local families are still left with questions, trying to figure out what led to their loved ones being killed in what police are calling a double homicide.

Police found 22-year-old Danyelle Ward and 20-year-old Dean Altizer Jr. shot to death in their Arlington apartment Wednesday -- the same day Ward was supposed to start a new job. Instead, Ward's family found her dead, along with her boyfriend.

No arrests have been made.
 
Ward's family and friends said they are trying to remember the great things about her: Her smile and her love for life. 

"She was a really cool person," said a friend, who chose not to give his name. "Danyelle was really down to earth, really easy to get to know."
 

Danyelle Nicole Ward, 22, was found dead in her apartment in Arlington on Wednesday.

The two went to Fletcher High School together and spent many days after school with friends at the local skate park.

That's why it was so hard for him to learn that Ward (pictured) and Altizer, her boyfriend of about a year, were found dead with gunshot wounds in their Arlington apartment.
 
"I was honestly really shocked," he said. "It's just sad to hear about that happening to anyone and just someone that I knew personally was definitely devastating a little bit."

It's even more devastating for Ward's family. She was raised in Jacksonville Beach.

After graduating from Fletcher High, Ward attended Florida State College at Jacksonville and worked at several local businesses.

In fact, she was set to work her first shift at Plato's Closet on the day she died.

Ward's family issued this statement about her: "Danyelle was a beautiful, amazing and talented young woman. She was exceptional in so many ways. She wanted to make everyone around her smile. She spent many happy nights with her mom, dad and little sister, laughing, baking, playing piano, and just hanging out with her dog. She loved everything about the beach -- sitting in the sun, splashing in the waves, riding her bike, walking, picking up shells, etc. She spent several years modeling and was the first runner-up at the 2010 Miss Fletcher High School pageant. She will be remembered by her family and friends as a vibrant young adult who will be deeply missed."

Altizer's family didn't want to comment Thursday but someone who worked with him at a local flooring company said he did a great job and was always very dependable.

Police are still asking for anyone with information about what happened to Ward and Altizer to come forward or call Crime Stoppers at 1-866-845-TIPS.