Fleming Island Man Kills Girlfriend, Then Himself in Apparent Murder-Suicide, Clay County Deputies Say

Fleming Island, Florida — Two people were found dead inside a Fleming Island apartment Saturday in what authorities are calling an apparent domestic-related murder-suicide. The victims have been identified as 34-year-old Ashtin Durham and 36-year-old Jessica Valentin-Rivera, according to the Clay County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputies were called to an apartment complex on County Road 220 after a family member of Durham reported receiving a concerning message from him. When deputies were unable to make contact with anyone inside, they entered the apartment and discovered both Durham and Valentin-Rivera deceased from apparent gunshot wounds.

A firearm and shell casings were recovered at the scene and are being examined as part of the ongoing investigation. “Initial indications are that this incident may be a domestic-related murder-suicide, but the investigation is still in its early stages,” the sheriff’s office said.

Authorities confirmed that both Durham and Valentin-Rivera had children, though not together. The children were not at the apartment at the time of the shooting and are currently safe with family members.

The Clay County Sheriff’s Office emphasized that the investigation remains active. Officials are asking anyone with information to contact Detective Blake Jones at 904-264-6512. Those wishing to remain anonymous can reach out to First Coast Crime Stoppers at 1-866-845-TIPS (8477) or submit a tip via the SaferWatch app.