Police ID 17-year-old found dead in NW Jacksonville

Body found by man on his way to work

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A teenager whose body was found Saturday morning near railroad tracks in Northwest Jacksonville has been identified as a 17-year-old from Jacksonville Beach.

The Jacksonville Sheriff's Office began to investigate when a man on his way to work about 7 a.m. Saturday discovered the body of Malek Yasan Dorsey on West 19th Street, just east of Detroit Street.

“The person who found the body didn’t witness anything,” Sgt. Craig Waldrup said. “He was basically on his way to work this morning and saw the body and called 911.”

Officers said they are still trying to figure out whether Dorsey was killed where the body was found, or somewhere else. A medical examiner will make that determination.

Detectives canvassed the neighborhood hoping someone either witnessed something overnight or maybe had surveillance video.

Jared Proctor lives near where the body was found and said he wasn’t surprised to wake up and find police in front of his home, or detectives stopping by to ask whether he saw anything.

“It’s kind of normal,” Proctor said. “We’ve lived here so long. You see it, like, basically, every so often.”

Officers said they are searching for whoever is responsible. 

Anyone with information about this case is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 866-845-TIPS.  You can remain anonymous.


About the Authors:

Scott is a multi-Emmy Award Winning Anchor and Reporter, who also hosts the “Going Ringside With The Local Station” Podcast. Scott has been a journalist for 25 years, covering stories including six presidential elections, multiple space shuttle launches and dozens of high-profile murder trials.