JSO charges 18-year-old Andre Thomas with murder for the shooting death of Donte Swan, following a car break-in on Jacksonville’s Westside.
An 18-year-old is facing murder charges in connection with the shooting death of a man on Jacksonville’s Westside earlier this year, as reported by JSO.
Authorities state that the event occurred on May 15, 2025. Officers from District 4 were called to Wheat Road near Ricker Road, where they discovered 39-year-old Donte Swan with two gunshot injuries. Swan was transported to the hospital by Jacksonville Fire and Rescue but unfortunately passed away.
According to JSO homicide detectives, the situation involved a group of men who were breaking into cars in the area. When Swan confronted them, Andre Thomas, who was 17 at the time, allegedly drew a firearm and shot Swan before escaping with the group.
Investigations revealed that Thomas was part of a larger crew that had stolen a vehicle, driven it to that vicinity, and broken into several cars before the incident. JSO credits its Crime Analysis Unit, Crime Scene Unit, and Real Time Crime Center with connecting Thomas to the crime.
Thomas was already jailed on unrelated charges when detectives secured a warrant for his arrest related to Swan’s death. Despite being a minor during the shooting, the State Attorney’s Office has opted to charge him as an adult, per JSO’s announcement.
Police said the investigation remains active as they work to identify and charge others involved.
