Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office detectives are investigating the death of 27-year-old Jareesha Wilkerson, whose body was recovered from the St. Johns River a week after she was reported missing following a traffic crash on the Mathews Bridge on December 8.
On the evening of the crash, Jacksonville Fire and Rescue and police responded to the top of the bridge for a multi-vehicle accident. Officers located Wilkerson’s disabled vehicle but found no sign of her at the scene. According to a family member, Wilkerson’s vehicle had broken down on the bridge prior to the collision.
The investigation revealed that her sedan became disabled near the bridge’s peak and was struck by a pickup truck, followed by an SUV that collided with the truck. In a separate lane, another crash involving three vehicles occurred. Crews spoke with drivers at the scene, but none reported seeing Wilkerson leave the area or go over the bridge’s side.
Rescue teams, including a Jacksonville Fire and Rescue boat, arrived within 24 minutes of the initial 911 call and searched the waters beneath the bridge. JSO’s Dive Team joined the effort, using sonar and other equipment to search for several hours. Despite these efforts and a subsequent investigation that included visits to hospitals, phone records, and outreach to Wilkerson’s family, she could not be located that evening.
On December 15, JSO’s Marine Unit discovered Wilkerson’s body approximately 3.5 miles from the bridge. Detectives promptly notified her family. The Medical Examiner’s Office conducted an autopsy, and JSO homicide detectives responded to the scene.
The case is now being led by JSO’s Traffic Homicide Unit.
Anyone with information about this case is encouraged to contact the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office at 904.630.0500 or JSOCrimeTips@jaxsheriff.org. Anonymous tips can be submitted through First Coast Crime Stoppers at 1.866.845.TIPS.
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