Kenneth Mobley Obituary, Death – Family members have identified the man who was fatally shot Wednesday afternoon in the parking lot of Copeland’s restaurant on Jacksonville’s Southside as Kenneth Mobley.
According to the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office (JSO), officers responded to reports of a shooting at the restaurant located at the intersection of Southside Boulevard and Touchton Road. The incident triggered a large law enforcement response, including the deployment of a helicopter, a drone, and K-9 units to secure and investigate the scene.
When officers arrived, they discovered Mobley suffering from a gunshot wound to his chest. Emergency personnel rushed him to a nearby hospital, but he was later pronounced dead from his injuries.
Investigators said Mobley had reportedly gone to the location to meet someone, though the purpose of the meeting remains unclear. JSO has not released details about the nature of the meeting or the individuals involved.
Three people were detained by police at the scene for questioning. It remains unknown whether any of those individuals were directly involved in the shooting or what their connection to Mobley may have been. JSO stated that it is actively working to determine their roles and relationships to the victim.
Police are also looking for a dark-colored four-door vehicle, possibly a Nissan, which was seen in the area around the time of the shooting. Authorities believe this vehicle may be connected to the incident and are asking for the public’s help in locating it.
The sudden and violent nature of the shooting startled nearby workers and residents. Yana Royter, an employee at Brass Tacks Coffee Co., located just two buildings away from Copeland’s, described the moment the gunfire rang out. She said her coworkers immediately rushed back inside the shop when they heard the shots.
“It all happened really fast,” Royter recalled. “I had just started my shift, and we didn’t know what was going on. We went outside to check, but then quickly went back in and locked the back door just to be safe. It was a scary situation, but we were glad the police responded so quickly.”
Authorities have not yet made any arrests in connection to the shooting. The investigation remains ongoing as detectives continue to collect evidence, speak with witnesses, and review surveillance footage from the surrounding area.
Police are urging anyone who might have information related to the incident to come forward. Witnesses or those with tips can contact JSO at 904-630-0500.
Mobley’s death has left family and community members grieving and seeking answers. As the investigation progresses, officials hope to uncover the circumstances that led to the deadly encounter in what is typically a busy and peaceful area.