Florida Brewery Worker Fatally Stabs Co-Worker on First Day at Anheuser-Busch Plant, Deputies Say
JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA — What began as a first day on the job for two contractors at the Anheuser-Busch brewery plant in Jacksonville ended in tragedy when one allegedly stabbed the other to death inside the facility Thursday afternoon.
According to the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, 38-year-old Jason Guthrie was arrested and charged in connection with the fatal stabbing of 22-year-old Antoine Autry.
Deputies said the attack occurred around 4:30 p.m. Thursday at the sprawling brewery complex on Busch Drive in the Oceanway area.
Victim Found With Fatal Chest Wound
Investigators said that both Guthrie and Autry were working their first day at the facility as contractors when the violent incident occurred. Witnesses told deputies they heard Autry screaming that he had been stabbed, moments before seeing Guthrie flee the scene.
When officers arrived, they found Autry suffering from a stab wound to his chest. Emergency personnel with the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department transported him to a local hospital, where he later died from his injuries.
“There was no indication of a prior dispute between the two men,” said investigators, who described the incident as sudden and unprovoked.
Suspect Found Hiding Inside Brewery
Deputies launched a facility-wide search and used K-9 units to locate Guthrie, who was discovered hiding inside one of the brewery buildings. He was taken into custody without further incident and booked into the John E. Goode Pretrial Detention Facility on a murder charge.
Guthrie reportedly did not cooperate with detectives during initial questioning, and investigators have not determined a motive for the attack.
History of Violence and Mental Health Issues
Records show that Guthrie was on probation at the time of the murder. In 2020, he was charged with aggravated battery with a deadly weapon after allegedly stabbing a man outside a liquor store. He later pleaded guilty in that case.
Court documents also note that Guthrie suffers from schizophrenia and PTSD, raising questions about his mental state at the time of the latest attack.
Ongoing Investigation
The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office and State Attorney’s Office are continuing their investigation, reviewing surveillance footage and interviewing witnesses at the plant.
No additional injuries were reported, and Anheuser-Busch confirmed that the facility has since resumed operations under enhanced security protocols.
Authorities have not yet disclosed whether additional charges may be filed.
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