Press Release
City of Fernandina Beach
Police Department
James T. Hurley, Chief
June 3, 2016 7:00 p.m.
The early morning murder of Johnell Richo outside his home on Gum Street a month ago remains the top priority of local law enforcement. An apparent link to an incident that occurred in the 900 block of South 12th Street on May 1st has been characterized by “local chatter” as the motive for “retaliation” and investigators have been primarily focused on that relationship and those involved.
John Patrick Wilson was charged with attempted murder and armed robbery in the 12th Street incident after victims and witnesses eventually came forward to give statements to police, saying that Wilson attempted to rob two men at gunpoint and fired at least two shots during the confrontation.
Wilson, a violent career criminal and former resident of Fernandina Beach, was visiting Amelia Island from Tennessee for the Shrimp Festival weekend and was residing with his mother and stepfather, Johnell Richo, at their Gum Street home.
Neighborhood discussion still centers on specific information about how events unfolded during the early morning hours of May 2, 2016, but those with knowledge have been reluctant to provide information to police investigators. Meanwhile, police officials met with local community leaders last month to encourage them to assist in facilitating communication between the police and the community. Yesterday investigators and police officials met with State Attorney Angela Corey to brief her on the status of the investigation and to discuss investigative options.
The Police Department is once again asking that those individuals with knowledge of this tragic incident, or with information about those who might have knowledge, to contact Detective Sergeant Tracey Hamilton at (904) 310-3211. The Fernandina Beach Police Department has a strong commitment to solving this case and is currently working with other law enforcement agencies to increase focus and resources onto this investigation.