Jason Futch
reporter2.riverbendnews@gmail.com
October 2024 marked the one-year anniversary for two homicide cases that reached its one-year anniversary with no answers: 32-year-old Martin Clay and 34-year-old Donnie Ray Jackson III. Both Clay and Jackson’s cases come with a hefty reward for information that may help in an arrest in this case. The Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) is seeking information pertaining to their murders, and have teamed up with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) to help assist with the investigation. Rewards of up to $10,000 have been offered in hopes that it may entice someone to come forward with information that can help investigators advance the investigation. HCSO contributed $5,000 towards each case, while FDLE matched the contribution. The information surrounding the investigations have been publicly vague so as to protect the integrity of the investigations, however, it is not believed that the two cases are connected. It is known that on Sunday, Oct. 8, 2023, Jackson was killed near the intersection of Northwest 12th Avenue and MLK Street in Jasper. On Friday, Oct. 27, 2023, Clay was killed at Northwest 6th Avenue and U.S. Highway 41, also in Jasper. Neither HCSO nor FDLE have been public as to the manner of death or what occurred prior to their deaths due to the ongoing investigation. Both agencies are urging the public, especially those living or operating businesses near the crime scenes, to review any security camera footage they may have. This footage could hold vital clues about the moments before and during the shootings. Officials are also calling on any witnesses who might have observed the events or recorded them on their cell phones to come forward, as even a small piece of information could make a significant difference. If you have information regarding the homicides of Jackson and Clay, contact HCSO at (386) 792-1001. To remain anonymous and be eligible for a cash reward of up to $10,000 for each case, contact the HCSO Crime Stoppers line at (386) 792-TIPS (8477).