Man killed Saturday night was father, former Raines & EWC football standout

Victim dies despite residents of Normandy Apartments' efforts to save him

Edward Water College photo of Ray Dukes, a Raines High School graduate who played running back for the Tigers from 2009-2013.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The 30-year-old man shot and killed Saturday night at the Normandy Apartments was known in the community as a standout football player at Raines High School and Edward Waters College, News4Jax has learned.

Jacksonville police no longer names homicide victims, but EWC and others have identified him as Ray Dukes, who played running back for the Tigers from 2011-2015.

Recommended Videos



At Raines, Dukes was an exceptional running back. 

In college, he developed into a versatile, all-purpose player. He played four seasons with the Tigers and excelled all over the field. Dukes rushed for 1,134 yards and had 1,090 yards receiving. He was even better on special teams, amassing 2,533 return yards.  

Police said a man was shot several times just before 10:30 p.m. at the apartment complex off Herlong Road.  Despite efforts of residents and Jacksonville Fire-Rescue to save him, he died at a hospital.

Detectives and crime scene investigators spent Saturday night searching for witnesses, evidence and security video in their effort to find who killed the man.

According to the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office, the man's death is being investigated as a murder.

Anyone with more information about this case is asked to contact police at 904-630-0500 or First Coast Crime Stoppers at 888-845-TIPS (8477).


About the Authors

Veteran journalist and Emmy Award winning anchor

Recommended Videos