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Homicide Detectives Make Quick Arrest in Southside Convenience Store Murder
April 16, 2026
Mai-Kel Bryant, 22, is behind bars at the Duval County jail after he was arrested for a murder that happened overnight outside of a Southside convenience store and gas station.


On Wednesday, April 15, 2026, District 3 patrol officers responded to a gas station on Southside Boulevard for a person shot. When they arrived, officers found 36-year-old Omar Padilla unresponsive in the parking lot. Padilla was rushed to the hospital where he passed away from his injuries.

Jacksonville Sheriff's Office (JSO) Homicide Unit detectives immediately launched their investigation. Through witness interviews and a review of surveillance video, it was determined that an argument had taken place between Padilla and Bryant, an employee of the convenience store. The argument started inside of the store, then continued into the parking lot where Bryant shot the victim. Bryant then drove off. A short time later, he was taken into custody at a nearby residence.

Bryant has since been interviewed by detectives and arrested for Second Degree Murder and Tampering with Evidence.

To view the post regarding this arrest on JSO's social media platforms, please click on one of the following links: Facebook | Instagram | X  
 
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