JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A newly released arrest report is shedding light on a deadly shooting at a Jacksonville motel that left a 40-year-old man dead.
Alfred Jones III, 25, was taken into custody Sunday, after JSO SWAT officers say they located him at his home on Forest Boulevard. Jones is charged with second-degree murder and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
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Victim found dead at scene
Officers were dispatched to a Jacksonville motel on Friday, May 29 in response to a reported shooting. When officers arrived, they found Giavonathan Butler, 40, on the floor suffering from a gunshot wound to the head. Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department personnel pronounced Butler dead at the scene.
The JSO Homicide Unit and Crime Scene Unit responded to investigate. Investigators say they executed a search warrant at the scene and recovered two 9mm shell casings near the victim’s body.
Witness accounts lead to arrest: JSO
According to the arrest affidavit, a witness told detectives that Jones and Butler had been involved in a verbal dispute earlier that day. The witness said Butler told Jones to move away from his door, which angered Jones.
After the dispute, the witness said Jones told her he was tired of people “trying” him. The witness also told investigators that Jones asked several people to check on who was inside Butler’s room before he and an unknown male entered. Jones then allegedly fled through a back door, jumped a fence and ran toward Golfair Boulevard.
Detectives canvassing Jones’ flight path discovered a magazine containing six live 9mm rounds near a fence. Investigators noted the ammunition matched the casings found at the scene.
According to the report, a second witness told detectives that when he arrived at the scene, other individuals told him the victim had been shot by a man wearing a red outfit.
Criminal history confirmed
Through further investigation, detectives say they identified Jones — known by the nickname “YB” — as a person of interest. A criminal history check confirmed Jones is a convicted felon, prohibited from legally possessing a firearm.
Jones had been adjudicated guilty of burglary with assault or battery and possession of cocaine in March 2022. He was released from prison on April 7, 2026 — less than two months before the shooting.
Arrest made by SWAT
JSO SWAT officers say they located Jones at his Forest Boulevard residence and took him into custody without incident.
Jones faces a no-bond status on the second-degree murder charge.