PALATKA, Fla. — A 28-year-old man has been arrested and charged with first-degree murder in connection with a fatal shooting that left a Palatka man dead earlier this week.
According to the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office, Matthew Michael Dennis was taken into custody Thursday morning for the shooting death of Clifford Tennant, 47, of Palatka.
Deputies responded Tuesday evening to reports of a shooting in the area of Carole Road near Alabama Avenue and Roddy Road. When deputies arrived, they located Tennant deceased along a wooded trail. A caller who dialed 911 told authorities she heard gunshots before discovering Tennant bleeding.
Detectives quickly began developing leads, conducting searches, interviewing neighbors, and speaking with potential witnesses. Investigators worked closely with the State Attorney’s Office for Florida’s 7th Judicial Circuit, ultimately presenting evidence to a judge who approved an arrest warrant for Dennis.
The Putnam County Sheriff’s Office coordinated with the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office, whose SWAT team executed the warrant and arrested Dennis without incident. He was transported to the St. Johns County Jail, where he is being held without bond.
“I want to commend everyone who worked on this case and the teamwork with the State Attorney’s Office and St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office in allowing us to quickly apprehend Matthew Dennis,” said Sheriff H.D. “Gator” DeLoach. “Very early in this investigation, detectives were working tirelessly to solve this case successfully, and they did just that.”
Authorities said the investigation remains ongoing as detectives continue gathering evidence related to the case.
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