Noely Makenda Orange Park, FL Death and Obituary – The Orange Park, Florida community and the U.S. Navy are mourning the devastating loss of Noely Makenda, a 21-year-old active-duty sailor who was fatally shot at her home late Wednesday night, December 17, 2025. Makenda’s death has sent shockwaves through her family, friends, and fellow service members, highlighting the profound tragedy of a life cut short under violent circumstances.
According to the Clay County Sheriff’s Office, the fatal incident occurred in the Savannah Glen neighborhood of Oakleaf Plantation, a residential area typically known for its quiet surroundings. Authorities say the shooting followed a series of escalating events that began with an argument involving the suspect’s wife and Makenda’s roommates. What initially started as a verbal dispute reportedly intensified into a physical altercation in the front yard of the residence.
Investigators allege that during the chaos, one of the roommates, identified as Taylor Marques Lomax, 22, retrieved a handgun from inside the home. Lomax, an active-duty U.S. Navy sailor stationed at Naval Air Station Jacksonville, is accused of firing approximately 30 rounds. The gunfire struck multiple individuals, including Noely Makenda and another roommate, Jordyn Forrestier, 20.
Deputies arriving at the scene discovered both Makenda and Forrestier suffering from multiple gunshot wounds in the front yard. Despite emergency response efforts, both victims were pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities confirmed that all three individuals involved—Makenda, Forrestier, and Lomax—were active-duty sailors assigned to Naval Air Station Jacksonville and shared the residence where the shooting occurred.
Taylor Marques Lomax was taken into custody without incident at the scene. He has since been charged with two counts of second-degree murder and is currently being held without bond at the Clay County Jail. The investigation remains ongoing as detectives continue to gather evidence and interview witnesses to determine the full sequence of events leading up to the deadly shooting.
Noely Makenda is being remembered as a dedicated sailor with a promising future ahead of her. Friends and colleagues described her as hardworking, kind-hearted, and deeply committed to her service and those around her. Her death has left an irreplaceable void within her unit and among loved ones who are now grappling with overwhelming grief.
Naval officials have expressed their condolences and confirmed that support services are being made available to sailors affected by the tragedy. The loss of two young service members in a single act of violence has raised renewed conversations about conflict resolution, firearm access, and the importance of mental health and community support among military personnel.
As the legal process moves forward, the Orange Park community continues to mourn Noely Makenda and Jordyn Forrestier, honoring their lives while seeking answers and justice in the wake of an unthinkable tragedy.