A Florida community has been rocked by a disturbing string of deaths after three women were found dead in Jacksonville across just three days – setting off widespread fears that a serial killer might be on the loose.
The first victim, 24-year-old Cherrish Nunley, was discovered on Saturday (November 15). Nunley, a young mother to a five-year-old daughter and a one-year-old son, was found unresponsive in a parking lot. Despite emergency efforts, she died at the scene.
Just 24 hours later, tragedy struck again. The body of Tiffany Felton was discovered under a bridge on Blanding Boulevard by a fisherman. Police have said they are treating Felton’s death as a possible homicide, according to Hoodline.
Then on Monday (November 17), a third woman was found unresponsive inside a home. Authorities haven’t released her identity, and details surrounding her death also remain unclear.
With three women dead in three days ( all within the same city), social media quickly spiralled into speculation. Residents began warning each other to stay indoors, and TikTok and Facebook filled up with theories about a possible serial killer hunting women in Jacksonville.
But police insist that isn’t what’s happening.
Tiffany Felton. Credit: First Coast News / YouTube.
Police say serial killer theories are “false”
The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office (JSO) stepped in on November 18 to shut down the growing panic, posting a lengthy statement to Facebook to address the rumours head-on. “JSO is aware of rumors circulating about a serial killer on the loose in Jacksonville. We can confirm these claims are FALSE,” the department wrote.
They added that detectives are investigating each homicide separately, following evidence and facts instead of speculation.
“We will share updates as soon as we are able to, but we want to reassure the community there is no danger to the public related to these incidents.”
The statement urged anyone with relevant information about the three cases to contact the sheriff’s office immediately.
Family of victim Cherrish Nunley calls for justice
As police continue their investigations, family and friends of the victims are speaking out – including Nunley’s sister, Justine Donaldson, who created a GoFundMe to help cover funeral costs and care for Nunley’s two young children.
On the fundraising page, Donaldson described her sister as “a bright, beautiful girl, a wonderful mom and aunt, the best sister, and a great daughter.”
She also confirmed that Nunley was “shot and killed in a parking lot,” calling the murder “cold-blooded.”
“Due to it being unexpected, no life insurance or anything, we're raising the money for her funeral and any ongoing care for her children,” Donaldson wrote. “She will not be another statistic. We will fight for justice. We will fight for her babies. We will fight for her.”
As of now, more than $2,000 has already been raised.
Cherrish Nunley. Credit: GoFundMe.
Community braces for answers
With three active investigations underway and few public details released, Jacksonville residents are still searching for clarity – even as police insist the public is not in danger.
For now, the city is waiting for answers as detectives work to piece together what happened to the three women whose deaths have shaken the community.