JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The Jacksonville Sheriff's Office's Traffic Homicide Unit is spearheading the investigation into the death of 27-year-old Jereesha Wilkerson, whose body was found Sunday after she was reported missing following a crash on the Mathews Bridge one week earlier.
In an update Wednesday night, police said the investigation into Wilkerson's death is ongoing.
Officers and Jacksonville Fire and Rescue crews arrived at the Mathews Bridge the night of Dec. 8 regarding a multi-vehicle crash. They located Wilkerson's disabled sedan, but not Wilkerson. Her phone was found inside her vehicle. Police then initiated a missing person response and began searching for Wilkerson.
So far, the investigation has revealed her sedan broke down near the top of the bridge, and a pickup truck crashed into it. Police said an SUV collided with the truck, and there was an additional three-vehicle crash in a separate lane.
First responders arrived eight minutes after the first 911 call, police said.
"Within 24 minutes of the initial 911 call, a JFRD rescue boat arrived in the river beneath the bridge to search for anyone who may have gone into the water," JSO wrote in a release.
Officers spoke with drivers on the scene, with none reporting seeing anyone walk off the bridge or go over the side.
JSO's Dive Team also responded and used sonar and other technology to search for Wilkerson. More than a dozen patrol officers and sergeants responded to the bridge to search for Wilkerson, police said.
Police used several means to locate Wilkerson with no results.
JSO's Marine Units searched for Wilkerson Saturday with no results.
Then, on Sunday, the Marine Unit found Wilkerson's body in the St. Johns River, more than three miles away from the bridge.
Homicide detectives responded to the scene to investigate, and the Medical Examiner's Office conducted an autopsy. Police did not immediately say Wilkerson's cause of death, or if it's been determined.
"While this is not the outcome anyone hoped for, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office remains committed to providing answers to Ms. Wilkerson’s family and friends during this difficult time, utilizing every resource available to ensure a thorough investigation," JSO wrote in a release.
Traffic Homicide Unit detectives are leading the ongoing investigation into Wilkerson's death.
Anyone with information related to this incident is asked to contact JSO at 904-630-0500, or email JSOCrimeTips@jaxsheriff.org Anyone can remain anonymous by calling First Coast Crime Stoppers at 1-866-845-TIPS or text **8477.