Jacksonville, Florida, once notorious as Florida’s “murder capital,” has witnessed a decline in homicides since 2022. However, the city still grapples with violence, leaving families devastated by the loss of loved ones. This year, 42 families mourn the victims of murder, a stark reminder of the ongoing struggle for safety and peace in the city.
One such tragedy struck on January 21st, 2024, claiming the life of 30-year-old Austin Fitzgerald, a young father and musician. Fitzgerald was fatally shot outside a residence in the San Marco neighborhood, following an alleged altercation involving a woman and two other men.
The incident unfolded in the early hours, prompting a swift response from the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office (JSO) and emergency medical services. Witnesses, including a neighbor, were present at the scene. The alleged gunman, 36-year-old Luis Eduardo Roses, was taken into custody.
Following a lengthy wait, Roses was interrogated by detectives at the Sheriff’s office. Initially hesitant and uncertain, Roses questioned whether he should speak without legal counsel. He expressed fear and remorse, emphasizing his terror and the tragic nature of the events.
Interrogation room where Luis Roses was questioned
Roses’ account reveals a complex web of relationships and escalating tensions. He claims his involvement stemmed from a woman he had been dating, alleging she had been texting another man throughout the evening.
According to Roses, after driving the woman home to his father’s residence, he heard noises outside. Upon opening the door, two men, including Fitzgerald, allegedly “burst in,” verbally assaulting him and forcing their way into the house.
Luis Roses being escorted by law enforcement
Florida’s Stand Your Ground law, which permits individuals to use deadly force if they believe their life is in danger, adds another layer to this case. Roses, claiming self-defense, stated that Fitzgerald charged at him aggressively. He maintains he feared for his safety, leading him to fire his weapon.
However, social media posts paint a different picture of Fitzgerald – a kind, thoughtful family man. His obituary describes a fun-loving individual, passionate about music and devoted to his young son. The stark contrast between these portrayals raises questions about the events leading up to the shooting.
Investigating further, Law & Crime utilized Truthfinder, a public records search engine, to delve into Roses’ background and verify his claims. While no gun-related charges surfaced, the investigation revealed a history of legal troubles for Fitzgerald.
Reports from Clay County, where Fitzgerald previously resided, indicate past charges of grand theft, stemming from the alleged theft of a firearm, a knife, and prescription medication from a family member’s home. Although Fitzgerald turned himself in and faced no violent charges in Clay County, this information adds complexity to the narrative.
Austin Fitzgerald, the victim in the shooting
As the interrogation progressed, Roses’ story presented inconsistencies regarding the woman’s departure and his communication with the men prior to their arrival. While he initially denied providing his address, he later admitted to sharing it during the phone call. This admission, coupled with witness testimonies alleging Roses called someone else after the shooting, contradicts his initial statements.
Despite Roses’ claims of self-defense, the investigation took a turn. The State Attorney’s office, after reviewing the evidence and consulting with higher authorities, decided to arrest Roses on charges of second-degree murder.
The news, delivered by the detective, visibly shook Roses, who repeatedly questioned the charge and its implications. With a minimum sentence of 25 years in Florida, the weight of the accusation settled upon him.
Gavel in a courtroom setting
Following his arrest, Roses entered a plea of not guilty and secured the services of attorney Henry Cox. Fitzgerald’s mother, seeking justice for her son, penned a letter to Judge Mark Bell, requesting Roses’ presence at all hearings.
The case continues to unfold as new evidence emerges. Text messages, allegedly sent by Roses on the night of the shooting, reveal threats and accusations directed at the woman. Additionally, a discovery exhibit suggests the existence of a shooting video, potentially capturing crucial moments and audio evidence.
With a pre-trial date set for October 3rd, 2024, the legal battle lies ahead. The prosecution and defense will present their cases, seeking to unravel the truth behind the tragic shooting that claimed the life of Austin Fitzgerald. The court’s decision will ultimately determine Roses’ fate and offer a semblance of justice for Fitzgerald’s grieving family.
