Jeffrey Stephen Lee, a 29-year-old tattoo artist and member of a local bike club, tragically lost his life on March 9, 2017, in Saint Augustine, Florida. Known for his fun-loving and carefree nature, Jeffrey was in an on-and-off relationship with his childhood friend, Jessica Henries. On the fateful day, emergency responders and police arrived at the 400 block of Arricola Avenue on Anastasia Island around 5:35 PM following reports of a shooting.
They found Jeffrey with a gunshot wound; the bullet had entered his chest and exited through his back. Despite immediate efforts, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
The investigation quickly identified Jordan Henries, Jessica's twin sister, as the perpetrator. Jordan, who was 25 at the time, was arrested at the crime scene without incident. The events leading to the shooting were rooted in a domestic dispute. Jeffrey had a trespassing warning for the property where Jessica lived. Upon his return, a physical altercation ensued between him and Jessica. In distress, Jessica called her sister Jordan and their mother, Debra, for help. Fearing for Jessica's safety, they rushed to the scene. The confrontation escalated on the front lawn, where Jordan, in an attempt to protect her sister, fired a .45 caliber handgun. Although intended as a warning shot, the bullet struck Jeffrey, resulting in his death.
Jordan Henries was initially charged with second-degree murder. However, as part of a plea deal in 2018, her charges were reduced to manslaughter with a firearm. She pled no contest and was sentenced to 17 years in prison, with credit for the 25 days she had already spent in jail. This case highlights the tragic consequences of domestic disputes and the complexities involved in legal proceedings following such incidents.
