JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — In a troubling incident reported near Jacksonville’s Southbank Riverwalk, two women are demanding action after they were allegedly assaulted by a man known for a lengthy history of violent behavior.
The attack occurred on a Monday afternoon as the victims were strolling close to Friendship Fountain, a favored location in downtown Jacksonville. According to the women, the suspect approached them while wearing headphones and muttering to himself, before unexpectedly striking one woman in the neck and the other in the back of the head.
“We didn’t even see it coming,” one of the victims recounted to First Coast News. “Never would you think that some random stranger would walk up to you and just punch you from behind.”
After the attack, the women managed to call 911 while keeping a safe distance from the assailant until law enforcement arrived and apprehended him. Investigators later learned that he had attacked another woman moments prior, leaving her with a wound on her cheek.
“He was on a mission that day,” one of the victims noted.
Authorities identified the suspect as Talmadge Billingslea Jr., a homeless individual with a troubling record that includes domestic violence, stalking, and making threats of a violent nature. Despite several arrests, the women expressed concern that he has not faced any convictions for his past offenses.
“We need to get to the root of the problem,” one woman argued, emphasizing the importance of comprehensive mental health support. “What kind of mental help can we try and get this guy to prevent this from happening again, not just putting him in jail and letting him out after six months.”
Represented by legal counsel, both women are advocating for immediate measures from local and state authorities to address the escalating violence. They are also urging the community to remain vigilant and exercise caution while navigating the area.
As of Thursday, Billingslea is being held in jail under a $19,000 bond, facing multiple charges including three counts of battery.
The State Attorney’s Office has not commented on the recurrent releases of Billingslea despite his criminal history, leaving many questioning the efficacy of the legal system in managing repeat offenders.
The victims hope that bringing their experience to light will encourage city officials to improve public safety measures, enhance mental health resources, and prevent future incidents along the Riverwalk. “Is it gonna take him murdering somebody for them to finally get him the help he needs?” one of the women lamented.
