JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — A Jacksonville man has been arrested and charged with manslaughter in connection with a 2024 dog attack that left another man dead, according to the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office.
Authorities said 62-year-old Melvyn Souffrount was charged following a lengthy investigation into the death of 59-year-old Ronald Coffman.
Investigators said officers with District 4 responded during the early morning hours of Aug. 31, 2024, to a report of a dead person on Ricker Road.
When officers arrived, they found Coffman suffering from multiple dog bite injuries. Personnel with the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department responded to the scene, but Coffman later died from his injuries.
According to the sheriff’s office, homicide detectives, crime scene investigators, and prosecutors with the State Attorney’s Office reviewed evidence and interviewed witnesses throughout the investigation.
Investigators ultimately determined that Souffrount’s repeated negligent actions and failure to act allegedly contributed to Coffman’s death.
An arrest warrant charging Souffrount with manslaughter was issued May 18, 2026. He was arrested later that evening and booked into the Duval County Jail, where he remains in custody.
Officials expressed condolences to Coffman’s family and friends following the arrest.