CLAY COUNTY, Fla. — Authorities have identified a man whose body was found inside a burned vehicle earlier this month and are asking the public for help in the ongoing homicide investigation.
According to the Clay County Sheriff’s Office, deputies and fire crews responded April 6, 2026, to a vehicle fire near County Road 218 and North Mimosa Avenue in Middleburg.
After the fire was extinguished, responders discovered the body of an unidentified male inside the vehicle.
The medical examiner later conducted an autopsy and ruled the manner of death a homicide.
Investigators said the vehicle may have been parked in that location as early as the morning of April 5, but the fire did not begin until the following afternoon.
On April 23, officials confirmed the victim’s identity as 41-year-old Reginald Eldrige Gantt of Jacksonville.
Authorities have released a photo of Gantt along with a stock image of the type of vehicle believed to be connected to the case.
Detectives are continuing to investigate and are asking anyone who may have surveillance video or information related to the incident to come forward.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the Clay County Sheriff’s Office at 904-264-6512 and ask for Det. Nicole Mosley. Tips can also be submitted anonymously through First Coast Crime Stoppers at 1-866-845-TIPS or through the SaferWatch app.
The investigation remains ongoing.