JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Homicide detectives in Jacksonville investigating a deadly stabbing at the Townsend Apartments in Arlington now have a suspect.
Police said two women were stabbed: One died, and the other was hospitalized around 2 p.m. Saturday.
People in the neighborhood said they heard screams coming from the apartment.
“I heard there was maybe an altercation and someone has been hurt or stabbed and diagnosed deceased, so I’m coming out to make sure everything is OK with my friend and coworker,” said Tela Mitchell, who believes one of the victims is a coworker and a friend.
Deputies said they have identified the suspect as 24-year-old Alonzo Oneal Cole, who is 5 feet, 7 inches tall and weighs 160 pounds, with a low haircut and beard.
He is known to have multiple tattoos to include a number “5” in the front-center of his neck and should be considered armed and dangerous, according to deputies.
According to records from the Florida Department of Corrections, Cole was just released from prison on March 5. He served two years for sale, manufacture or delivery of cocaine and resisting an officer with violence in 2015.
In the meantime, Mitchell is praying for her friend, a mother of three.
“She means a lot to me,” Mitchell said. “She’s a wonderful woman, a wonderful parent and she’s a wonderful friend and coworker. She means a lot to me and her community.”
Jacksonville police are asking anyone with information about what happened to call 904-630-0500 or, to remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 1-866-845-TIPS.