Palatka, Florida – A 28-year-old St. Johns County man was arrested in Tuesday’s fatal shooting, bringing a swift development in a case that prompted a multi-agency investigation.
According to the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office, Matthew Michael Dennis, 28, was arrested Friday morning and charged with first-degree murder in the shooting death of Clifford Tennant, 47, of Palatka.
Deputies responded Tuesday evening to a report of a shooting near Carole Road and Roddy Road. Authorities said Tennant was located deceased along a wooded trail after a caller reported hearing gunshots and finding him bleeding.
Investigators said detectives quickly developed Dennis as a potential suspect after conducting searches and interviewing neighbors and possible witnesses. Working with the State Attorney’s Office, officials obtained an arrest warrant.
Earlier Friday, St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office SWAT deputies executed the warrant and took Dennis into custody. He was transported to the St. Johns County Jail and is being held without bond.
Sheriff H.D. “Gator” DeLoach credited investigators and prosecutors for what he described as a coordinated effort to resolve the case.
Authorities have not released additional details about a possible motive. The investigation remains active.
The arrest may bring closure to residents in the Carole and Roddy Road area, where deputies responded Tuesday night.
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