JACKSONVILLE – A 21-year-old Oakleaf High graduate gained national infamy after shooting three people to death on Aug. 26 in what the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office determined was a racially motivated crime.

The 2020 Oakleaf graduate, with a history of domestic abuse and mental instability, shot three Black people to death at a Dollar General in the New Town area. Ryan Christopher Palmeter then turned the gun on himself and committed suicide as the JSO SWAT team entered the store.

According to JSO Sheriff T.K. Waters, Palmeter’s father called the Clay County Sheriff’s Office to tell them his son left their house and was “upset.” The father also said he found the diary of a “madman” in his room that stated his son hated Black people.

Sadly, the shooting had already occurred.

CCSO Sheriff Michelle Cook posted the following statement on social media after the killings: “We are aware of the incident in Jacksonville. Our hearts go out to the victims and their families. We are currently working with the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office as they investigate the involvement of a Clay County resident in this heinous act. We know that one person’s actions are not a reflection of our community as a whole. Please join us in keeping the families of the victims in our prayers.”

JSO said the killer was armed with an AR-15 rifle and Glock handgun that was “legally” purchased, despite the fact he was Baker Acted after he threatened to jump off a building in Jacksonville. CCOS also responded to a domestic battery call after the killer fought with his older brother. No charges were filed.

The father told investigators his son flunked out of Flagler College, and he lost his job at The Home Depot. Since then, he basically remained holed up in his bedroom.

The victims were identified as Jerrald De’Shaun Gallion, 29, Angela Michelle Carr, 52, and Anotl Joseph Laguerre Jr., 19.