Antoine Autry is fondly remembered as a dynamic and kind-hearted young man whose vibrant spirit and wit brought joy to those around him.
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Friends are mourning the tragic loss of Antoine Autry, a 22-year-old who was fatally stabbed on his very first day as a contractor at the Anheuser-Busch brewery located in Jacksonville’s Northside.
Police have arrested 38-year-old Jason Guthrie, also a newcomer to the job, in relation to Autry’s death on October 30. According to authorities, Guthrie stabbed Autry in the chest and attempted to escape but was eventually discovered hiding within the brewery. Witnesses report that the attack was sudden, with no prior confrontation, though Autry’s cries were heard echoing through the facility.
Zyimani Wise, one of Autry’s dearest friends, expressed her sorrow while reminiscing about the person he was. She described Autry as an individual full of life, warmth, and a quick-witted humor.
She fondly remembered their shared childhood experiences at Mayport Middle School, highlighting his ability to light up any room and leave a memorable impact on everyone he encountered.
“I just began to cry so hard, so loud,” Wise recounted. “I just couldn’t believe that my friend was gone. It didn’t make any sense to me.”
She added Autry was her 26th friend lost to violence.
“I don’t know what funeral to go to a lot of times, being that they passed away so quickly, and it hurts my feelings because we’re so young, and I wish that my friend was here,” Wise said.
Investigators say Guthrie claims to suffer from PTSD and schizophrenia and insists he does not remember the incident, stating he had a good day at work.
Guthrie is currently charged with second-degree murder. His next court appearance is scheduled for Nov. 20 at 9 a.m.
Wise said the tragedy should never have happened.
“I wish that you would have gotten to know him because maybe he could’ve turned your day around by making you laugh,” she said.
Clutching to memories and videos she captured over the years, Wise emphasized remembering the good times.
“I was almost like the cameraman in school, so I took a lot of videos of memories that we all shared,” she said. “I miss you Antoine. You are my brother and I don’t want you to ever forget that. I miss you so much.”
The family is currently working on funeral arrangements. A GoFundMe has been created to help with expenses.
