Florida Navy Sailor Charged With Murder After Firing 30 Shots at Roommates During Front Lawn Fight

CLAY COUNTY, FLORIDA — A U.S. Navy sailor is facing two counts of murder after deputies say he opened fire on his roommates, unloading approximately 30 rounds, following a late-night argument that escalated into a physical fight on the front lawn of their shared home in northern Florida.

The suspect, Taylor Lomax, 22, was arrested in connection with the shooting deaths of Jordyn Forrestier and Noely Makenda, both of whom were also Navy sailors and lived in the same residence, according to the Clay County Sheriff’s Office.

Argument Inside Home Moves to Front Yard

Deputies said the incident unfolded Wednesday night around 11 p.m. at a home in the 4400 block of Hanging Moss Drive, located just southwest of Jacksonville. Authorities said Lomax, his wife, and the two victims were all present inside the house when an argument broke out involving Lomax’s wife.

According to the sheriff’s office, the dispute escalated from a verbal argument to a physical confrontation that spilled out onto the front yard of the home. Investigators said the situation intensified quickly as the women began fighting outside.

Gunfire Erupts During Physical Fight

At some point during the altercation, deputies say Lomax retrieved a firearm and began shooting.

Authorities allege Lomax fired approximately 30 rounds, striking both Forrestier and Makenda multiple times. When deputies arrived minutes later, they found both women dead in the front yard, each suffering from multiple gunshot wounds.

Lomax’s wife placed the 911 call, and responding deputies arrived at the scene around 11:20 p.m. Lomax and his wife were still present and were taken into custody without incident, authorities said.

Wife Claims Self-Defense During TV Interview

Following the shooting, a woman identifying herself as Lomax’s wife spoke with a local television station and claimed the shooting was an act of self-defense.

She told reporters that tensions had been building between her and the roommates and alleged they did not like her. According to her account, she told everyone to leave the house before the confrontation turned physical.

She claimed that Makenda struck her in the face, prompting her to hit back, and that Forrestier then joined in, with both women allegedly “jumping” her.

“That’s when my husband fired shots,” the woman said, asserting Lomax was trying to protect her.

Authorities have not confirmed her account and said the investigation remains ongoing.

Two Victims Identified as Navy Sailors

The sheriff’s office confirmed that both victims were active-duty Navy sailors, as was Lomax. Officials did not release details about where the sailors were stationed or whether the Navy has taken administrative action pending the outcome of the criminal case.

Investigators emphasized that multiple witnesses, physical evidence, and ballistic analysis will play a key role in determining what led up to the shooting and whether any claims of self-defense are supported by evidence.

Charges Filed, No Bond Set

Lomax made his initial court appearance on Friday, where a judge ordered him held without bond. He has been formally charged with two counts of murder.

Court records show Lomax is scheduled to appear in court again on January 20, 2026. Prosecutors have not indicated whether additional charges could be filed.

Community and Military Connections Shaken

The double homicide has sent shockwaves through the Clay County community, particularly given the military connection shared by all three individuals involved. Authorities described the scene as chaotic and emphasized the extraordinary level of gunfire used during the confrontation.

The Clay County Sheriff’s Office said detectives are continuing to interview witnesses, review 911 audio, and analyze forensic evidence to reconstruct the exact sequence of events.

As the case moves through the court system, it raises broader questions about firearms in domestic disputes, conflict escalation among roommates, and how quickly arguments can turn deadly.

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