Rory Devon Hayward, a 31-year-old African American man from Palatka, Florida, was found dead on July 9, 2016. He was discovered with multiple gunshot wounds inside his home on North 10th Street around 4:30 a.m. The Palatka Police Department responded to the scene and initiated an investigation into his death. Rory Hayward was a native of Palatka, born on September 26, 1984, and was employed as a sandblaster for Corrocoat USA in Jacksonville.
He was a 2003 graduate of Palatka High School and was well-known in his community.
The investigation quickly led to the identification of a suspect, Antonio De'shan Jenkins, a 34-year-old man from Jacksonville, Florida. Witnesses provided the police with information about Jenkins and his vehicle, which was subsequently located by the Clay County Sheriff's Office. Jenkins was arrested and charged with first-degree homicide and armed burglary of an occupied dwelling. He was taken into custody without bond and held at the Clay County Jail. The motive for the shooting remains unclear, and the investigation is ongoing.
Rory Hayward's death has had a significant impact on his family and the Palatka community. His parents, Linda Appling Evans and Willie James Hayward, mourned the loss of their son, who was described as a hardworking and dedicated individual. The case has drawn attention to issues of violence and safety within the community, prompting discussions on how to prevent such tragedies in the future. The legal proceedings against Antonio Jenkins are expected to continue as authorities seek justice for Rory Hayward and his family.
