JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A man who in November was arrested and accused of trying to escape police is now charged with murder in connection to the February shooting death of Darnell Wilson, 44, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office said Thursday.
Tamar Way, 39, was arrested back in November for carjacking charges unrelated to the shooting after Jacksonville police said they tried to pursue him when they spotted a parked stolen vehicle.
Way, then, led them on a chase, eventually jumping over a guardrail off an overpass and landing 35 feet below onto Interstate 95.
Wilson’s family has been searching for answers in the death of their loved one since February, when he was shot inside a home on Roanoke Boulevard in the Sherwood Forest neighborhood.
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His family has spoken out numerous times, calling for the community to speak up about Wilson’s case. His sister, Melanese, said news of the arrest came at a good time.
“I’m just overjoyed, and it was one of my Christmas gifts that I wanted to have somebody arrested before this year was over with, and my wish came true,” she said.
With the help of MAD DADS, Wilson’s loved ones canvassed the community — looking for answers. He left behind three children.
“It was an emotional roller coaster,” said Wilson’s son, who shares a name with his father. “But I put faith in God and I trusted (the detective) and I just let him do his job.”
When asked what she misses most about her brother: “I miss his smile,” Wilson’s sister said. “His laugh. His jokes.”
“It was very much guidance, respect,” his son said. “My father—just leading me down the right path of life.”
Based on evidence analyzed during an investigation, JSO said, Way, who was being held at the pre-trial detention facility, was arrested and charged with murder and home invasion robbery with a firearm.
JSO believes there are other people involved in the incident.
If you have any information on this case, call JSO at 904-630-0500 or Crime Stoppers at 866-845-TIPS.