Charleston Place apartments have witnessed another violent death this year, as Jacksonville Police have charged Marine Corporal Sage Simmons with second-degree murder and reckless driving in connection to the death of his wife, Jaide Simmons.
According to authorities, the incident occurred on Thursday night, March 6. Police reported that 25-year-old Sage Simmons was reversing his vehicle when he struck 23-year-old Jaide Simmons. She was transported to the hospital, where she later succumbed to her injuries.
Neighbor Brandon Jones, who lived next door to the couple, expressed his shock over the tragic event. He described Jaide as a good neighbor and noted that the situation escalated from a domestic dispute into a fatal incident. Jones also mentioned that he had called the police multiple times in the past due to frequent disturbances coming from their apartment, including loud fights that shook the walls.
The Marine Corps confirmed that Sage Simmons joined the Marines in 2020 and was stationed at New River as an automotive maintenance technician. Following his arrest, he was given a $2,000,000 bond on Wednesday morning.
This marks the second violent death involving a Marine at Charleston Place this year. In January, Lance Corporal Dariel Amarante and his wife, Maya, were found dead from gunshot wounds. Death certificates revealed that 23-year-old Maya Amarante was fatally shot with a 9mm handgun, and 22-year-old Dariel Amarante died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound using the same weapon.
Matilda Gragg, an advocate for domestic violence victims, emphasized the importance of seeking help in situations involving domestic disputes. She encouraged both victims and concerned individuals to reach out to available resources, including 24/7 crisis hotlines. She pointed out that trained advocates are available to guide individuals through such difficult situations, including those who may be unsure about how to intervene.
Domestic violence remains a widespread issue in the United States, with statistics showing that one in three women and one in four men experience physical violence. Jacksonville Police reported receiving over 130 calls regarding incidents at Charleston Place in 2024, which aligns with the average number of calls related to the complex over the past five years.
