“Justice means sitting in a courtroom, watching those responsible pay for their actions,” expressed Felicia Hughes, the sister of the deceased.
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — It has been nearly a month since 49-year-old Corey Denmark was tragically shot and killed outside a Jacksonville shopping center, and his family is still seeking answers, urging anyone with information to step forward.
“Tomorrow marks 30 days,” said Cynthia Hughes, Denmark’s mother. “30 days without my son.”
Authorities report that Denmark was discovered shot in the parking lot of the Paxon Shopping Center on Edgewood Avenue at approximately 8 p.m. on December 10. Another individual was also shot but survived the incident. Unfortunately, Denmark succumbed to his injuries.
“I went to the medical examiner’s office, and they showed me a picture of my baby,” Hughes recounted, her voice choked with emotion.
The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office has confirmed that the investigation is ongoing. However, detectives have yet to release any details regarding a suspect or the circumstances leading up to the shooting. Police records reveal that officers responded to over 100 service calls at the Paxon Shopping Center in the year 2025.
Denmark’s sister, Felicia Hughes, said her brother was not lingering at the shopping center that night.
“This area has been known for foolishness,” she said. “My brother worked across the street at Nationwide. That’s why he was over here, he wasn’t hanging out.”
Denmark had worked at Nationwide Mattress and Furniture for nearly 10 years, where he was known as a dedicated employee and a source of joy for both coworkers and customers.
“We’ll never find anybody that’s going to replace him,” said coworker Travis Ross, who added that Denmark trained him when he first started. “He was proud to tell people he did. I took it as an honor.”
Family described Denmark as a devoted father of two and a man with a contagious spirit.
“It’s quiet now,” Felicia Hughes said. “Corey was the life of the party.”
He was also known for his love for the Florida Gators.
“He made all of us wear Florida Gator colors for his service,” Felicia recalled.
Denmark also loved to dance, a memory his mother holds close.
“That was the last time I danced with my son,” she said.
Felicia said the family has endured loss before, but Corey’s death has reopened old wounds.
“We have not moved on,” she said. “We’re still in the same spot as the night it happened.”
Now, the family is calling for justice.
“He deserves justice,” Felicia said. “Justice means sitting in a courtroom watching you pay for what you did. It could be your brother, your father, your mother, you’d want justice the same way we want it. We deserve answers.”
The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office confirmed the case remains active. They did not confirm if any arrests have been made.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office or Crime Stoppers at 866-845-TIPS.
