Noely Makenda and Jordyn Forrestier, two young U.S. Navy sailors aged 21 and 20 respectively, tragically lost their lives in a double homicide on December 17, 2025, in the front yard of their shared residence in Oakleaf Plantation’s Savannah Glen neighborhood on Hanging Moss Drive in Orange Park, Florida.
The Clay County Sheriff’s Office responded to multiple 911 calls reporting gunfire around 11:20 p.m., discovering both women with multiple gunshot wounds pronounced deceased at the scene. This shocking incident has deeply affected the Orange Park community and the broader U.S. Navy family stationed at nearby Naval Air Station Jacksonville.
The shooting stemmed from a physical altercation inside the home involving the suspect’s wife and the two victims, escalating when 22-year-old Taylor Marques Lomax, also a Navy sailor and roommate, retrieved a handgun and fired approximately 30 rounds. Lomax, who served alongside the victims in Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadrons at NAS Jacksonville, faces two counts of second-degree murder and remains held without bond following his arrest. Investigators confirmed the roommates’ shared military service, highlighting the personal ties that made this tragedy particularly devastating within naval circles.
Noely Makenda, at 21, and Jordyn Forrestier, at 20, represented the dedication and youth of America’s naval forces, contributing their skills and commitment to maritime helicopter operations in support of national defense. Their service reflected a lifestyle of discipline, teamwork, and readiness, often involving rigorous training and deployments that fostered strong bonds among crew members.
The Orange Park and Clay County areas mourn the abrupt end to two lives full of potential, with the community rallying to support affected families and naval personnel through shared grief and calls for reflection on interpersonal safety. Though specific details on the victims’ hometowns, educational backgrounds, or personal hobbies remain private during the ongoing investigation, their roles as active-duty sailors stationed in Florida highlight contributions to squadron missions and base operations. This tragedy amplifies broader discussions on support resources for service members navigating shared living arrangements.
Authorities continue examining evidence, including witness statements and ballistic details, to ensure a thorough understanding of the events leading to the fatalities in this suburban neighborhood. The Navy has acknowledged the incident with respect for the investigation, extending internal support to squadron members impacted by the loss of colleagues. The case serves as a somber reminder of how domestic disputes can escalate fatally, prompting vigilance in military housing communities across Florida.
Noely Makenda and Jordyn Forrestier lived lives well lived, marked by honorable service in the U.S. Navy, dedication to duty alongside roommates and squadron mates, and the promise of bright futures in military aviation support. Their legacies endure in the strengthened naval community they helped build and the profound example of commitment they set for peers. In this time of collective sorrow, their memories stand as tributes to youthful patriotism, camaraderie, and the enduring spirit of those who serve the nation from bases like NAS Jacksonville.