Jason Futch
reporter2.riverbendnews@gmail.com
On Christmas Day 2023, a shooting in Jasper killed 22-year-old Joshua Claridy and left his family shattered by the incident. Now, one year later, investigators with the Jasper Police Department (JPD) appear to know who killed Claridy. However, they cannot locate the suspect and are seeking the public's help in solving this case. JPD Police Chief Dan Bennett confirmed that the case is still open and investigators are still looking for the suspect. However, Chief Bennett stated that no developments could be shared at this time due to the ongoing investigation. According to former JPD Interim Chief Leyon Kerklin at the time of the incident, at approximately 11:48 p.m. on Dec. 25, 2023, a call came into Hamilton County dispatch that a shooting had taken place and that the victim, Claridy, had been shot by a male friend near the intersection of Southwest 9th Avenue and Bristol Street in Jasper. At the time, Kerklin stated that Claridy had been involved in a domestic dispute with a friend that allegedly spiraled into a more serious situation, which led to the shooting. At the time of the incident, a suspect had been identified, and authorities were looking for this individual. An arrest warrant was signed off, and investigators were prepared to execute the warrant. However, the suspect was nowhere to be found. Due to the ongoing investigation, JPD refused to identify the suspect in this case. Kerklin shared that he believed the suspect may have fled to Gainesville or Orlando, as he had family that resided in the area. JPD continues to investigate this case, hoping that someone may come forward with information regarding the suspect's whereabouts. Anyone with information concerning the suspect's whereabouts is encouraged to contact the JPD at (386) 792-1130.