**Stephen Shahly dies in fatal Jacksonville shooting**
Fatal Jacksonville shooting death of Stephen Shahly
A man who was the father of four children has died following a shooting incident in the Mandarin neighborhood of Jacksonville on Monday afternoon. Authorities report 43-year-old Stephen Shahly was found deceased inside his garage located at Rustic Green Court. Emergency responders were dispatched to the residence after receiving reports of gunfire around 5:30 PM local time on Monday.
The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office announced on Tuesday that they had arrested a 44-year-old man, Donald Rentfrow Jr., in connection with this fatal shooting. Sheriff’s deputies, including members of the SWAT team, were involved in executing a search warrant at Rentfrow’s home on Tuesday morning. The suspect was subsequently transferred to the Duval County jail’s booking facility.
Rumors about the tragedy quickly spread, prompting a soon-to-be brother-in-law of the victim to arrive at the scene. Zach Schwenke, who is set to marry Shahly’s sister, described acting immediately upon learning about the incident.
“I was at home. My nephew, who lives with me, informed me of the news, and we made it here as quickly as we could,” Schwenke explained. The relationship between Shahly and Schwenke runs deeper than mere family ties; Schwenke considers Shahly a father figure.
“He was a genuinely good person, but even more importantly, an exceptional father. His presence helped me understand, especially considering my own background without a father and a mother who had recently passed, the profound significance of having a strong parental influence,” Schwenke elaborated.
Schwenke highlighted Shahly’s deep commitment to his family and the local community. He fondly recalled how Shahly always made time for his four children, attending all their games and showing unwavering support. According to Schwenke, Shahly’s care for others, particularly the youth in their community, was evident and deeply appreciated.
