Calixto Beavenutti dies in fatal Jacksonville police shooting

Calixto Beavenutti dies in fatal Jacksonville police shooting

Fatal Jacksonville police shooting death of Calixto Beavenutti – Obituary

Calixto Beavenutti, 44, was shot and killed by SWAT officers from the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office after a prolonged standoff at a residence on Lenox Avenue on the city’s Westside.

The incident began Tuesday evening around 8 p.m. when neighbors reported hearing multiple gunshots in the area. Officers responded to the 7700 block of Lenox Avenue, where they encountered Beavenutti, who had reportedly fired a gun outside a home and became verbally aggressive toward police before retreating indoors.

Officials say Beavenutti, armed with a firearm, ignored repeated police commands and continued moving in and out of the home. Due to the escalating situation, a SWAT team was called in. Authorities reported that Beavenutti fired his weapon once after SWAT arrived, though it remains unclear if he aimed at officers.

Over the next few hours, SWAT negotiators attempted to resolve the situation using a megaphone. Despite their efforts, Beavenutti continued to exit and re-enter the residence while carrying the weapon, at times allegedly pointing it at officers who were taking cover.

At one point, Beavenutti walked toward a neighboring home, ignoring officers’ commands to drop his weapon. When he attempted to enter the other home, SWAT officers opened fire. He was pronounced dead at the scene by emergency responders.

According to Beavenutti’s family, he may have suffered from schizophrenia and had been self-medicating with Xanax, methamphetamine, and alcohol. They told police he became upset earlier in the day after failing to obtain drugs, which they believe triggered his behavior.

Three SWAT officers were involved in the shooting: Kody Cruise, Phillip McCranie, and Shane Lyons, each with varying years of service. The shooting is Jacksonville’s ninth officer-involved incident of the year.