From documenting a scene to collecting and processing evidence, our Crime Scene Technicians play a pivotal role in helping investigators piece together what happened and uncover the facts. We’re grateful to have such an incredible team here in Clay County whose expertise, attention to detail, and dedication help bring answers to our investigations. Happy National Forensic Science Week! ❤️ #CCSOFL #ProudlyServing

🔎 𝐅𝐀𝐂𝐓 𝐎𝐑 𝐅𝐈𝐂𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍: 𝐂𝐑𝐈𝐌𝐄 𝐒𝐂𝐄𝐍𝐄 𝐄𝐃𝐈𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍! 🧪 It’s National Forensic Science Week! You’ve seen it on TV… but how much of what you see on crime shows is actually true? Our Crime Scene Technicians are some of the best in the business, using their expertise, attention to detail and forensic skills to uncover evidence that can play a pivotal role in an investigation. But real-life forensic science doesn’t always happen quite like it does on the big screen! 👀 CST Sgt. Tiffany Thibideau is breaking down some of the biggest crime scene misconceptions and separating FACT from FICTION! 🔍 (Bonus question about Sheriff Michelle Cook’s doppelgänger in our CST unit 👀) #CCSOFL #ProudlyServing

𝐒𝐇𝐄𝐑𝐈𝐅𝐅 𝐌𝐈𝐂𝐇𝐄𝐋𝐋𝐄 𝐂𝐎𝐎𝐊 𝐀𝐍𝐍𝐎𝐔𝐍𝐂𝐄𝐒 𝐀𝐑𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐓 𝐈𝐍 𝐂𝐇𝐈𝐋𝐃 𝐄𝐗𝐏𝐋𝐎𝐈𝐓𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐈𝐍𝐕𝐄𝐒𝐓𝐈𝐆𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 On 9/21/26, the Clay County Sheriff’s Office SWAT team served a search warrant at a residence located on Half Moon Circle in Middleburg. The search warrant was obtained as a result of a child exploitation investigation conducted by the Clay County Sheriff’s Office Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Unit, with assistance from the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS). The occupant of the residence exited and was detained without incident. The occupant was interviewed by CCSO ICAC detectives while the residence was processed for evidence. As a result of this investigation, probable cause was developed to arrest the occupant, 83-year-old David Cangemi, for Lewd and Lascivious Battery on a victim less than 15 years old. Cangemi was booked into the Clay County Jail pending medical clearance, however the investigation is still ongoing. Anyone with information that might be of assistance in this investigation is encouraged to contact Detective Eva Solis at esolis@claysheriff.com or by phone at 904-264-6512. You can submit a tip through the SaferWatch app or by calling First Coast Crime Stoppers.

𝐈𝐍-𝐂𝐔𝐒𝐓𝐎𝐃𝐘 𝐃𝐄𝐀𝐓𝐇 On September 18th, 2026, Cecilia Rae Manning was booked into the Clay County Jail for several drug related charges. Manning experienced a medical emergency on September 19th around 12:40pm, she was administered Narcan and taken to Orange Park Medical Center for further treatment. Manning was released back into our custody and returned from the hospital later that day around 6:15pm. At 8:37pm, jail nursing staff alerted deputies that Manning was experiencing another medical emergency. Members of the Clay County Sheriff’s Office responded immediately and performed lifesaving measures on Manning until they were relieved by Clay County Fire Rescue. Unfortunately, all efforts were unsuccessful, and Manning was pronounced deceased at 9:03pm. There was no force used during her arrest or during her time in our jail. The cause of death is currently unknown and there were no obvious signs of trauma. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement was notified and will be the primary investigating agency in conjunction with the Medical Examiner’s Office.

𝐈𝐍-𝐂𝐔𝐒𝐓𝐎𝐃𝐘 𝐃𝐄𝐀𝐓𝐇 On September 18th, 2026, Cecilia Rae Manning was booked into the Clay County Jail for several drug related charges. Manning experienced a medical emergency on September 19th around 12:40pm, she was administered Narcan and taken to Orange Park Medical Center for further treatment. Manning was released back into our custody and returned from the hospital later that day around 6:15pm. At 8:37pm, jail nursing staff alerted deputies that Manning was experiencing another medical emergency. Members of the Clay County Sheriff’s Office responded immediately and performed lifesaving measures on Manning until they were relieved by Clay County Fire Rescue. Unfortunately, all efforts were unsuccessful, and Manning was pronounced deceased at 9:03pm. There was no force used during her arrest or during her time in our jail. The cause of death is currently unknown and there were no obvious signs of trauma. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement was notified and will be the primary investigating agency in conjunction with the Medical Examiner’s Office.

𝐑𝐈𝐃𝐆𝐄𝐕𝐈𝐄𝐖 𝐇𝐈𝐆𝐇 𝐒𝐂𝐇𝐎𝐎𝐋 𝐇𝐎𝐌𝐄𝐂𝐎𝐌𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐃𝐀𝐍𝐂𝐄 The Clay County Sheriff’s Office, along with Clay County District Schools, are aware of the rumors circulating regarding the Ridgeview High School Homecoming dance on September 19th, 2026. Rumors online suggested that there were spiked drinks during the event; there is currently no evidence of drink spiking or tampering and we are actively investigating these reports. Members of the Clay County Sheriff’s Office and school administration were on site throughout the entire evening. During the homecoming dance, three students reported medical issues. Out of an abundance of caution, two were taken to a hospital by EMS and were released after a short stay; one did not go to the hospital. The students who were taken to the hospital were drug tested and results showed there were no drugs found in their system. On September 20th, 2026, detectives with the Clay County Sheriff’s Office followed up with the students involved and their parents. At this time, we have no reason to believe there was any sort of drink spiking, tampering or drug use; however, we will continue to investigate these reports and follow up on any leads that come in. As part of Clay County District Schools safety standard protocols, all students were searched prior to entry, large bags were prohibited with only small clutch-type purses allowed and no outside food or drinks were permitted into the venue. The only concessions sold on site were sealed bottled water, pizza and Pelican’s SnoBalls. The safety and well-bring of our students is always our top priority; we take every report extremely seriously. Anyone with additional information regarding this is encouraged to call us at 904-264-6512. You can also submit a tip through the SaferWatch app.

𝐀𝐑𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐓 𝐌𝐀𝐃𝐄 𝐀𝐅𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐂𝐇𝐈𝐋𝐃 𝐂𝐔𝐒𝐓𝐎𝐃𝐘 𝐄𝐗𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐍𝐆𝐄 𝐋𝐄𝐀𝐃𝐒 𝐓𝐎 𝐆𝐔𝐍𝐅𝐈𝐑𝐄 The Clay County Sheriff's Office has arrested 32-year-old Darrius Elighah Winard Kirkland in connection with Friday evening's shooting in the Oakleaf neighborhood during a child custody exchange. Kirkland has been charged with Attempted Murder, Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon and Child Abuse. On September 18th, 2026 just before 5pm, Kirkland accompanied his girlfriend to a regularly scheduled child custody exchange with her estranged husband. Despite being a convicted felon and not being able to legally own firearms, Kirkland armed himself with an AR style rifle and a semiautomatic pistol on the way to the exchange. Shortly after the arrival of the father in his vehicle, the young child of Kirkland's girlfriend exited the vehicle they were riding in and began walking to her father's vehicle. Kirkland also exited the vehicle with the rifle and pointed it at the father's vehicle as he was getting out. Kirkland began firing the rifle numerous times at the father, who returned fire with his own pistol before retreating into neighboring yards. The father's vehicle was struck by bullets numerous times while another young child was inside. The mother took cover on the ground during the exchange of gunfire but was able to retrieve both children and get them to safety when the shooting stopped. The mother and children were unharmed during the incident, and no one was struck by gunfire during the exchange. Several houses in the area were hit by stray bullets, but no one was injured. The father returned to the scene and surrendered to responding deputies. Kirkland fled the scene in his girlfriend's vehicle but crashed into a tree and attempted to hide in the yard of a neighboring residence. The vehicle and tree caught fire after the crash and an unoccupied vehicle parked near the crash also caught fire. Clay County Fire Rescue responded and extinguished both fires, but both vehicles had been fully engulfed before the fires could be extinguished. A CCSO K9 officer apprehended Kirkland with assistance from community members. Kirkland was interviewed by detectives and received medical treatment for injuries sustained during the incident before being arrested. The mother and father were cooperative and were also interviewed by detectives. A large section of Piedmont Manor Dr was shut down for several hours while detectives obtained search warrants to recover evidence from multiple scenes and we appreciate our community for their patience and understanding while we worked our investigation. Though an arrest has been made, this investigation remains active and ongoing. Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to contact us at 904-264-6512 and ask to speak with Detective Sean Holmes. You can also submit a tip through the SaferWatch app, or by calling First Coast Crime Stoppers by dialing **TIPS.

𝐏𝐋𝐀𝐍𝐍𝐄𝐃 𝐂𝐇𝐈𝐋𝐃 𝐂𝐔𝐒𝐓𝐎𝐃𝐘 𝐄𝐗𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐍𝐆𝐄 𝐋𝐄𝐀𝐃𝐒 𝐓𝐎 𝐆𝐔𝐍𝐅𝐈𝐑𝐄 On 9/18/26 just before 5pm, the Clay County Sheriff’s Office received several 911 calls regarding gunfire on Bayridge Court in Oakleaf Plantation. Minutes later, we received additional 911 calls about a car that had crashed into a tree down Piedmont Manor Drive and a man running through a homeowners backyard. Our deputies responded immediately, set up a perimeter and located everyone involved in the shooting. After our detectives came out and conducted interviews, we learned everyone was known to each other. There was a planned child custody exchange between two married but separated parents; at some point during the exchange, a woman’s current boyfriend and the father (legal husband) both started shooting at each other with the kids around. Thankfully, nobody was shot. However a couple of the homes in the area took some damage from stray bullets. One suspect ran through backyards in the culdesac on Bayridge Ct. and we found him shortly after, the other suspect who drove off and crashed into the tree was found by our K-9 unit, thanks to the assistance from a community member. He was taken to a local hospital treated for injuries to his lower extremities from the situation. Everyone involved has been detained, there no threat to the community and the investigation is ongoing. Anybody with additional information that could help our investigation is encouraged to contact us at 904-264-6512, you can also submit a SaferWatch Tip or contact First Coast Crime Stoppers by dialing **TIPS.

We are currently working a report of shots fired on Bayridge Ct. in the Oakleaf Plantation area. There are no injuries at this time, all subjects involved are detained and there’s no threat to the community. More information will be released as it’s available.

𝐂𝐎𝐋𝐃 𝐂𝐀𝐒𝐄: 𝐖𝐇𝐄𝐑𝐄 𝐈𝐒 𝐂𝐇𝐑𝐈𝐒𝐓𝐎𝐏𝐇𝐄𝐑 𝐘𝐀𝐍𝐓? Roughly 16 years since the disappearance of Christopher Yant - a case that remains under active investigation by the Clay County Sheriff’s Office. On August 6, 2010, the 32-year-old was involved in a physical altercation with his sister and then he walked away from the scene. A warrant was issued for Yant four days later, on August 10, 2010, in connection with the incident. Over the next several years, the Clay County Sheriff’s Office made several attempts to serve that warrant, but they were unsuccessful. During those contacts, there was no indication from family members that anything unusual had occurred. Then, on September 6, 2014, Christopher’s biological father, Daniel Scott Yant, contacted the Clay County Sheriff’s Office and reported that his son had been missing for about three years - and a report was filed. In the video - you’ll see a photo of Yant at the time, along with an age progression image of what he may look like today. The circumstances surrounding Christopher Scott Yant’s disappearance remain under active investigation. If you have any information that could help investigators, or if any family are willing to speak to the detective who is overseeing the case, please call the Clay County Sheriff’s Office at 904-264-6512 and ask for Det. Holmes. You can also submit an anonymous tip through the SaferWatch App, or contact First Coast Crime Stoppers at 866-845-TIPS - that’s 866-845-8477. Even the smallest piece of information could be important. If you know something, please come forward.

𝟐𝟓 𝐲𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐬 𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫, 𝐰𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫. 𝐖𝐞 𝐡𝐨𝐧𝐨𝐫. 𝐖𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐧𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐭. Today, Clay County came together in Green Cove Springs to honor the more than 400 firefighters, law enforcement officers, and emergency responders who made the ultimate sacrifice on September 11, 2001. In a powerful display of service, sacrifice, and unity, members of the Clay County Fire Rescue, Clay County Sheriff’s Office, and law enforcement and first responder agencies from across our community gathered to march and remember those who ran toward danger. As each fallen responder’s name was read aloud, we were reminded of the lives given in service to others and the lasting impact of their sacrifice. Honor Guard struck the Four Fives, a historic fire service tradition honoring fallen members. The Clay County Sheriff’s Office played Taps, while Amazing Grace was played on bagpipes. Elected officials, including Governor Ron DeSantis, joined our community and first responders in honoring the lives and legacies of those we lost. Twenty-five years have passed, but their courage, sacrifice, and memory remain. We remember those who were lost. We honor those who served. We stand with those who continue to serve. And we will never forget. September 11, 2001: Remembered. Honored. Never Forgotten.

𝐁𝐄𝐂𝐎𝐌𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐀𝐍 𝐒𝐑𝐎 Protector. Mentor. Role Model. For Deputy Nash, becoming a School Resource Deputy was more than just a career goal, it was something he worked toward because he wanted to make a difference in the lives of students. Now, he’s putting that passion into action every day at Oakleaf High School, keeping our students safe, building relationships, and being a trusted mentor to the next generation. We’re proud to have Deputy Nash serving our students and community. #CCSOFL #ProudlyServing #SRO

𝐍𝐄𝐖 𝐓𝐀𝐒𝐊 𝐅𝐎𝐑𝐂𝐄 𝐓𝐀𝐑𝐆𝐄𝐓𝐒 𝐆𝐔𝐀𝐑𝐃𝐈𝐀𝐍𝐒𝐇𝐈𝐏 𝐀𝐁𝐔𝐒𝐄𝐒 Through our Clay County court system hundreds of children and vulnerable adults receive services through court-appointed Guardians. By statute, reports submitted by them are audited annually by Clerk’s Office employees. Guardians can be family members, court-appointed professionals, or state-approved members of the public. Guardianship audits focus on the wards’ physical well-being, financial accounts, and status of their assets. When Guardianships are done legally and with compassion, which is the situation in most cases, these vulnerable adults and children are properly cared for, their finances and assets are protected, and they benefit from an appropriate relationship with their Guardians. This type of criminal activity is now the target of a new multi-agency, multi-jurisdictional Guardianship Task Force, which Clay County Sheriff Michelle Cook announced today at a joint press conference. Clay County Clerk’s Office auditors and Clay County Sheriff’s Office detectives have seen a variety of suspicious and illegal activity in recent months/years. Elderly residents abandoned at care centers or hospitals, bank accounts drained, and homes and personal property sold or foreclosed without the State’s or Court’s knowledge. For example, they recently uncovered exploitation of an elderly woman abandoned without any personal effects and whose bank account was depleted. Her monthly pension was taken and her property sold. She was left destitute, all while her medical bills went unpaid, defrauding a local care facility. This harmful activity was committed by a family member. Juveniles who never see their inheritance, funds or property, which makes the death of their parent or grandparent even more of a tragedy. For example, a case was uncovered last year involving someone who inherited a large amount of money, hundreds to thousands of dollars, that was quickly depleted by her guardian. The lives of some of our most vulnerable citizens are turned upside down and they can be left without even the bare necessities of life. Ethical, law-abiding Guardians helping the vulnerable in our county are not the problem. In fact, local leaders applaud the good Guardians and loving family members for their dedication. The Clay County Clerk’s Office and judicial partners will assist law enforcement in the fight against those who exploit Clay County’s most vulnerable citizens. The Guardianship Task Force brings together many partners across the criminal justice system to identify, investigate, and hold accountable those who exploit individuals under Guardianship. All those involved can now better share information, identify criminal activity, investigate allegations, and ensure that cases involving vulnerable victims receive the attention they deserve. This attention comes through three main areas of focus. Educate prospective Guardians on the responsibilities and expectations of the role before they accept it. Report concerns if you believe a guardian is acting inappropriately or exploiting someone in their care. Prevent abuse, neglect, and exploitation by staying informed and speaking up. Law enforcement and Clerk’s Office staff encourage you to reach out with information. Go to clayclerk.com or to claysheriff.com and search for “Guardianship” for directions on how to report your concerns about past or present Guardianship cases about which you suspect fraud, neglect or abuse.

𝐒𝐓𝐔𝐃𝐄𝐍𝐓 𝐀𝐑𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐓𝐄𝐃 𝐅𝐎𝐋𝐋𝐎𝐖𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐒𝐂𝐇𝐎𝐎𝐋 𝐓𝐇𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐓 𝐈𝐍𝐕𝐄𝐒𝐓𝐈𝐆𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 On September 4, 2026, the Clay County Sheriff’s Office conducted an investigation and threat assessment after a 12-year-old student at Argyle Elementary School was observed writing a “Death Note” containing the names of several students and school staff members. A student, who was seated near the suspect while the note was being written, observed the note and immediately notified the teacher. The suspect then discarded the note in a trash can. The teacher retrieved it and promptly notified school administration and the School Resource Officer. Following a thorough investigation and in collaboration with Clay County District Schools, the suspect was quickly identified, interviewed, and arrested on the charge listed below and transported to the Department of Juvenile Justice - Duval County Detention Center. The suspect will also face disciplinary action in accordance with the school district’s Student Code of Conduct. 836.10(2) Written or electronic threats to kill, do bodily injury, or conduct a mass shooting or an act of terrorism (2) It is unlawful for any person to send, post, or procure the sending, posting or transmission of, a writing or other record, including an electronic record, in any manner in which it may be viewed another person, when in such writing or record the person makes a threat to: (a) Kill or do bodily harm to another person; or (b) Conduct a mass shooting or act of terrorism. The Clay County Sheriff’s Office takes all threats involving our schools seriously and will continue working closely with Clay County District Schools to ensure the safety of our students, faculty, and staff. Threats of violence will not be tolerated. Our schools are places for growing and learning without fear or harm. We commend the student who recognized concerning behavior and immediately reported it to a teacher. This incident serves as an important reminder: if you see or hear something, say something. We encourage our community to report threats or any other suspicious activity at schools via the FortifyFL app, the SaferWatch app, or by contacting the Clay County Sheriff’s Office by phone at (904)264-6512.