Jacksonville, Florida – February 19, 2025 – A shocking and tragic case of violent retaliation has rocked the Jacksonville community after authorities say a Florida woman, 38-year-old Latoray Collins, tracked down her ex-boyfriend’s vehicle at a stoplight and allegedly shot his female passenger in the head just days after their breakup. The incident, which occurred on the evening of Sunday, February 16, has resulted in attempted murder charges for Collins, who remains in custody at the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office as of Wednesday, February 19.

A Relationship Turned Deadly: The Events Leading Up to the Shooting

Sources close to the case report that Collins had been in a tumultuous relationship with her ex-boyfriend, whose identity has not yet been released to the public. According to acquaintances and law enforcement officials, the couple’s relationship had been marked by heated arguments, emotional distress, and frequent breakups, but their most recent split—just days before the shooting—appears to have pushed Collins to a breaking point.

Following the separation, Collins allegedly began tracking her ex-boyfriend’s whereabouts, reportedly using social media updates, text messages, and possibly a GPS tracking device to monitor his movements. Witnesses claim that she had expressed feelings of anger and betrayal, allegedly telling friends that she was “not going to let him move on so easily.”

The Attack at the Stoplight

On the evening of February 16, Collins’ ex-boyfriend was driving through Jacksonville with a female passenger in the front seat of his vehicle. At approximately 9:30 p.m., while they were stopped at a red light at a busy intersection, Collins reportedly pulled up alongside them in her own vehicle.

Witnesses recall hearing a heated exchange between Collins and her ex-boyfriend through the car windows. According to sources, she was yelling accusations at him, demanding to know why he had moved on so quickly. The situation escalated in mere seconds when Collins allegedly pulled out a firearm and fired a single gunshot into the passenger-side window of her ex-boyfriend’s car, striking the female passenger in the head at point-blank range.

The ex-boyfriend, in shock, immediately accelerated through the red light, desperately trying to reach the nearest hospital while simultaneously calling 911. Several other drivers who witnessed the incident also placed frantic emergency calls, reporting that they had seen a woman fire a gun at another vehicle before speeding away from the scene.

Emergency Response and Immediate Investigation

Jacksonville law enforcement officers and emergency medical responders arrived at the hospital shortly after the victim was rushed inside for emergency treatment. The woman, whose identity has not been disclosed, was listed in critical condition due to the severe nature of the gunshot wound.

Meanwhile, responding officers launched an immediate search for Collins. Surveillance footage from nearby traffic cameras, along with eyewitness accounts, helped police identify her as the primary suspect. Officers were dispatched to Collins’ residence and known hangout locations, but she initially evaded capture.

The Arrest of Latoray Collins

After an intensive manhunt spanning nearly 24 hours, authorities finally located Collins at a relative’s home in Jacksonville on February 17. Reports suggest that she had been hiding out and was attempting to formulate a plan to avoid law enforcement detection.

Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office officials moved in swiftly, surrounding the residence before executing a high-risk arrest operation. Collins was taken into custody without further incident and transported to the Duval County Jail, where she was booked on charges of attempted second-degree murder, aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, and use of a firearm during the commission of a felony.

Upon her arrest, Collins reportedly displayed a defiant attitude, initially refusing to cooperate with investigators. However, sources say that once presented with overwhelming evidence—including eyewitness testimonies and surveillance footage—she stopped speaking altogether and requested legal representation.

Community Reaction and the Broader Conversation About Relationship Violence

News of the shooting has sent shockwaves throughout the Jacksonville community. Many residents have expressed outrage and disbelief, with some questioning what could have led to such a violent act of jealousy and rage. Others have pointed to the broader issue of relationship violence, emphasizing the need for more resources to help individuals cope with breakups and emotional distress without resorting to extreme measures.

Local advocacy groups against domestic violence have used the incident as an opportunity to shed light on the warning signs of abusive and controlling behaviors, urging individuals in troubled relationships to seek help before tensions escalate to violence.

“This case is a stark reminder of the devastating consequences that can arise when emotions turn into aggression,” said Sandra Hughes, a representative from the Jacksonville Center for Domestic Violence Prevention. “If someone feels their emotions spiraling out of control after a breakup, we strongly encourage them to reach out for professional counseling or crisis intervention rather than letting their anger consume them.”

Legal Ramifications and What’s Next for Collins

As of February 19, Latoray Collins remains in custody, with no bail set for her release. She is expected to appear before a judge in the coming days for her arraignment, where prosecutors will formally present the charges against her. Legal experts speculate that Collins could face life in prison if convicted, given the severity of the charges and the premeditated nature of the attack.

While Collins awaits trial, investigators are continuing to gather additional evidence, including ballistics reports, digital records, and forensic analysis of the vehicle involved in the shooting. Law enforcement officials have urged the public to come forward with any additional information that may assist in their case against Collins.

The Victim’s Condition and the Road to Recovery

As for the female victim, doctors are reportedly doing everything in their power to stabilize her condition. While details on her prognosis remain unclear, medical experts have indicated that the road to recovery will be long and challenging. The full extent of the neurological damage caused by the gunshot wound is still unknown, and family members have requested privacy as they navigate this difficult time.

Loved ones and members of the Jacksonville community have rallied in support of the victim, with an outpouring of prayers, well-wishes, and even donations to assist with medical expenses. Some community members have even organized candlelight vigils, praying for her recovery and condemning the violence that has shaken their city.

Conclusion: A Tragic End to a Relationship and a Cautionary Tale

The events of February 16 serve as a tragic and sobering reminder of how emotions—especially those surrounding romantic relationships—can sometimes escalate into irreversible acts of violence. What began as a simple breakup spiraled into a near-fatal attack, changing the lives of everyone involved forever.

As Jacksonville authorities move forward with legal proceedings, the community continues to grapple with the reality of what transpired. Many are left wondering how such an event could have been prevented, while others hope that justice will be served for the victim who was caught in the crossfire of an emotional dispute.

For now, the focus remains on supporting the victim, holding the perpetrator accountable, and ensuring that such tragedies do not become a recurring reality in Jacksonville or anywhere else. The case of Latoray Collins will undoubtedly remain in the spotlight as the legal process unfolds, and many will be watching closely to see how justice is served in this deeply unsettling case.