Noely Makenda Orange Park, FL Passing and Memorial: 21-Year-Old U.S. Navy Seaman Fatally Shot in Orange Park, Florida

 Noely Makenda Orange Park, FL Death and Obituary – The community in Orange Park, Florida, along with the U.S. Navy, is grieving the heartbreaking loss of Noely Makenda, a 21-year-old sailor on active duty, who was tragically shot at her residence late on Wednesday night, December 17, 2025. The announcement of Makenda's passing has caused profound shock among her family, friends, and fellow service members, illustrating the deep sorrow of a life abruptly taken due to violent actions.

The Clay County Sheriff’s Office reported that the deadly event transpired within the Savannah Glen area of Oakleaf Plantation, a neighborhood typically recognized for its serene environment. Officials indicate that the shooting followed a series of escalating tensions that commenced with a disagreement involving the suspect’s spouse and Makenda's housemates. What began as a verbal confrontation reportedly escalated into a physical fight in the yard in front of the house.

Investigators claim that amid the turmoil, one of the housemates, recognized as Taylor Marques Lomax, aged 22, retrieved a firearm from inside the dwelling. Lomax, who is also an active-duty sailor stationed at Naval Air Station Jacksonville, is alleged to have fired around 30 bullets. The gunfire hit several individuals, including Noely Makenda and another housemate, Jordyn Forrestier, who is 20 years old.

Upon the deputies' arrival, they found both Makenda and Forrestier with numerous gunshot injuries in the front yard. Despite emergency efforts, both victims were declared dead at the location. Officials confirmed that all three individuals involved—Makenda, Forrestier, and Lomax—were sailors on active duty assigned to Naval Air Station Jacksonville and lived together in the residence where the incident occurred.

Taylor Marques Lomax was arrested at the scene without any issues. He has been charged with two counts of second-degree murder and is currently being held without bond at the Clay County Jail. The investigation is still in progress as detectives continue to collect evidence and conduct interviews with witnesses to understand the complete timeline of events that led to the tragic shooting.

Friends and colleagues remember Noely Makenda as a devoted sailor with a bright future ahead of her. They describe her as diligent, compassionate, and thoroughly dedicated to her duties and those around her. Her untimely death has created an irreplaceable gap within her unit and among loved ones, who now face immense sorrow.

Naval authorities have conveyed their sympathies and confirmed that support services are being offered to sailors affected by this tragedy. The double loss of young service members due to a single violent act has sparked renewed discussions about conflict resolution, access to firearms, and the critical need for mental health and community support within the military community.

As the legal proceedings unfold, the Orange Park community continues to mourn Noely Makenda and Jordyn Forrestier, celebrating their lives while seeking answers and justice following this unfathomable tragedy.