A 21-year-old woman used a hammer to kill a 41-year-old man she accused of grooming her as a child, then she left an accusatory note on his chest, Florida authorities said. Journee McGrew is now charged with second-degree murder and tampering with evidence in a killing described by the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office as a “domestic dispute.” McGrew’s father started driving to his daughter’s apartment to check on her after she reached out to his wife at 2 a.m. July 2, according to an arrest report filed in Duval County. On his way there, he spoke with her over the phone about what happened, officers said.
She told him the 41-year-old man came to her apartment and “demanded that she have sex with him,” but she turned him down, according to the sheriff’s office. She told her dad the man grabbed her, and she hit him with a hammer, officers said. The dad told investigators his daughter said, “I think he’s dead, Daddy,” according to the report. Her dad told her to hang up and call the police, then he called 911 himself, the sheriff’s office said. When officers arrived at her apartment, they reported finding the victim with blunt force injuries lying in a pool of blood outside McGrew’s unit. On his chest was a note written with a green highlighter that read “PEDO Touches Children,” the sheriff’s office said. Officers saw “copious amounts of blood” on the wall and the ground in front of the door, according to the report.
They interviewed McGrew, who told them the man had been sexually grooming her since she was 8 and had sexually assaulted her in the past, the sheriff’s office said. A few hours before the incident, she told investigators she sent him a sexual text message, saying she regretted how she had treated him, and invited him over to “spend time with him and have sex,” according to the report. She said he came over, and they went out for a while before going back to her apartment at 1 a.m., then they started to drink, officers said. McGrew told investigators the man brought up sex and pressured her when she turned him down, so she asked him to leave, according to officers. As she was walking him out, she grabbed a metal hammer from her closet and hid it behind her back, then he turned toward her at the door and wrapped his arms around her in an “aggressive” way, she told investigators, according to the report.
She pushed him away and there was a physical altercation during which he ended up the ground, and McGrew killed him, according to officers. When law enforcement got the warrant to search her apartment, they said they followed a trail of bloody footprints leading from the front door to the bathroom, where they found a bloody hammer in the sink. Investigators said they collected blood-stained clothes and other evidence from the bathroom. Officers asked McGrew if she invited the man to her apartment to kill him, but her response is redacted from the arrest report. She was arrested without incident. It appears no formal charges were ever brought against the man in Duval County in connection with the sexual grooming McGrew described.
This heartbreaking case serves as a reminder of the devastating and long-lasting effects that abuse, exploitation, and unresolved trauma can have on individuals and families. While the legal process must determine the facts surrounding the allegations and the killing, Scripture is clear that God condemns those who exploit or harm the vulnerable. Jesus gave strong warnings against causing harm to children (Matthew 18:6), and believers are called to protect the innocent, seek justice, and care for those who have been wounded. At the same time, the Bible teaches that vengeance belongs to the Lord (Romans 12:19) and that justice should be pursued through righteous means rather than personal retaliation whenever possible.
This tragedy also illustrates humanity’s deep need for healing, accountability, and redemption. Sin leaves scars that can affect generations, but the gospel offers hope for both those who have been deeply hurt and those who have committed grievous wrongs. Psalm 34:18 reminds us that “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted,” while Micah 6:8 calls God’s people to “act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly” with Him. Christians should pray for everyone affected by this case, including those grieving the loss of life, anyone who has experienced abuse, and those seeking justice, that truth would come to light, genuine healing would begin, and God’s mercy and righteousness would ultimately prevail.
Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord. Hebrews 12:14
God has spoken, and His greatest message is not a philosophy, an idea, or a feeling it is Jesus Christ. When the world fills your mind with competing voices and distractions, fix…
In a world filled with competing voices, confusing paths, and endless distractions, Jesus doesn’t simply show us the way He declares, ‘I am the way.’ When everything around you tries to pull…
Whatever you constantly look at will eventually influence how you live. When the world gets loud and life gets overwhelming, don’t stare harder at the distraction, look up and fix your eyes…
President Trump said Wednesday that “massive” oil, gas and mineral exploration is preparing to begin in Greenland. In a statement posted on his Truth Social platform, Mr. Trump said “Massive Oil, Gas,…
Christian legal advocacy group the European Centre for Law and Justice (ECLJ) has welcomed moves by the UN to recognise “coerced” abortion as a form of violence against mothers. Earlier this year…
President Donald Trump issued pardons at a campaign rally in Alaska on Tuesday for two diesel mechanics who were previously charged with and pleaded guilty to violating the Clean Air Act. The…
Neighbors in Cecil County say they are fed up with a local farm owner they blame for contaminating nearby waterways. The Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) says manure runoff from Kilby…
A Texas Department of Public Safety trooper helped rescue an injured owl found in the center median of Interstate 10 near Van Horn, highlighting the role law enforcement can play in protecting…
The Modesto City Council is moving forward with a proposed crackdown on reckless bicycle and e-bike riding, including fines of up to $5,000 and the possible impoundment of bikes for up to…
When life feels like it’s falling apart, God remains your safest place. Even when everything shakes, His strength never does. Bible Verse:God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in…
The climbing alligator harvest in Arkansas has led to decreases in nuisance calls involving the reptile. Arkansas Game and Fish Commission members heard last week a presentation from AGFC herpetologist Amanda Bryant…
Oregon’s northern pygmy owls may look adorable, but these tiny birds are fierce predators. They stand roughly 6 to 7 inches tall and weigh between 2.1 and 2.5 ounces. In Siuslaw National…
A family of barn owls has been spotted on the Upper West Side. Birders are heading uptown after dark to get a look. The owls have become the talk of the Upper…
Let the contrast sink in: when the state’s attempt to kill a convicted murderer fails, doctors rush to save her life. When a mother’s attempt to kill an innocent child fails, Congress…
China is expanding its efforts to drill ultra-deep oil and gas wells — defined as more than three-and-a-half miles deep — as the world’s largest crude importer steps up domestic exploration. Like…
A mountain lion has been spotted again in southwest Kansas, marking the latest of several sightings across the state. The Haskell County Sheriff’s Office said the animal was seen Monday morning on…
Residents and businesses in parts of southwest Atlanta, South Fulton, Fairburn and Union City are being told to boil tap water before using it or use bottled water following a water supply…
Federal agents searched Democratic U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar’s home on Monday as part of a criminal investigation, according to two people familiar with the matter. The search was conducted by Homeland Security…
October 02, 2026. Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur S.A., San Carlos, Chile expands its previously initiated recalls on July 3, 2026 and September 3,2026 recall of frozen organic IQF blueberries and berry…
Three blue-eyed mountain lion kittens have been discovered in the hills of Southern California, offering a hopeful glimpse into the future of a cougar population threatened by habitat loss and urban development.…
“When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.” Psalm 56:3 Fear is a natural response when life feels uncertain, when the uncertainties and chaos become overwhelming. We can see that…
When the world is shaking and systems are failing, God reminds us that the Church is not an afterthought in crisis, but His chosen instrument for hope, truth, and redemption When you…
Post-Tropical Cyclone Isaias was moving northeast through central Alabama near Birmingham on Saturday after roaring ashore as a Category 2 hurricane late Friday evening near Destin, Florida, with winds of about 105…
Simon has strengthened into a powerful Category 4 hurricane as it barrels toward Mexico’s Pacific coast. The National Hurricane Center in Miami said Saturday that Simon’s maximum sustained winds increased to 155…
Residents in several lower Northeast Philadelphia neighborhoods say a growing rat problem is disrupting daily life, damaging property and raising health concerns. Now, City Council is calling for a more aggressive response.…
A man and a his dog were attacked by a black bear outside their northern Minnesota home on Monday. The Minnesota DNR tells Bring Me The News that the incident happened in…
The City of Victoria’s ongoing battle with large flocks of Canada geese damaging the field at Royal Athletic Park has gone to the dogs. In a bid to protect the playing surface,…
Every fall, one of nature’s most remarkable migrations passes through Georgia, carried on wings so delicate they seem hardly suited for the journey ahead. Generations of Monarch butterflies travel thousands of miles…
Some Harford County parents are speaking out after their children’s longtime school bus driver was removed from her route after allegedly allowing a student to get off the bus to rescue an…
You must be logged in to post a comment.