FL Woman Bludgeons Man, Leaves Chilling Note
In the early hours of July 2, 2025, a gruesome scene unfolded at the Cross Creek Apartments in Jacksonville, Florida, that has since gripped the community with shock and intrigue. Journee McGrew, a 21-year-old woman, allegedly bludgeoned 41-year-old Waduta Woodley to death with a metal hammer. What made this violent act even more chilling was the note left on Woodley's chest, written in green highlighter: "PEDO Touches Children." This haunting message pointed to a dark and disturbing backstory — McGrew accused Woodley of grooming her since she was just 8 years old.
The Crime Scene: A Stairwell Turned Crime Scene
According to Law & Crime, officers from the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office responded to reports of a dispute at the apartment complex around 3:36 a.m. Upon arrival, they found Woodley lying in a pool of blood behind a stairwell near apartment 207, where McGrew lived. The victim had suffered multiple blunt force injuries to his head and face, consistent with being struck repeatedly by a hammer. Blood was splattered on the walls and ground, painting a grim picture of the violence that had taken place.
A note left on Woodley's chest contained a stark and haunting accusation, immediately drawing attention to a motive behind the attack. The phrase "PEDO Touches Children" was scrawled in green highlighter on a white sheet of paper, a message that investigators believe was written by McGrew herself, according to PEOPLE.
The Accused and the Allegations
Journee McGrew, who was found inside her apartment shortly after the discovery, was reportedly taken into custody and charged with second-degree murder and tampering with evidence. According to police reports, McGrew told officers that Woodley had been "sexually grooming her since she was eight years old and sexually battered her multiple times," as reported by Law & Crime. This long-term abuse allegation adds a complex layer to the case, suggesting that McGrew's violent act may have been fueled by years of trauma and fear.
The Fatal Encounter
According to the arrest report cited by Court TV, McGrew invited Woodley to her apartment after telling him she was fantasizing about him. The two reportedly drank together before, McGrew told police, Woodley began pressuring her for sex. After asking him to leave, McGrew said she armed herself with a hammer hidden behind her back. As she walked him to the door, Woodley allegedly grabbed her in an embrace, at which point she pushed him away and struck him multiple times with the hammer. The weapon was found covered in blood in her bathroom sink.
An autopsy confirmed the victim died from "multiple chop injuries," according to the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office, as reported by PEOPLE.
Conflicting Narratives and the Quest for Justice
The case presents a disturbing clash of narratives. On one hand, McGrew's allegations of long-term sexual abuse paint her as a victim pushed to the edge, possibly acting in self-defense or as a desperate act of vigilante justice. On the other hand, her invitation to Woodley and the contradictory messages complicate the story, raising questions about the dynamics of their relationship and the events leading up to the murder.
According to Law & Crime, McGrew's father and brother reported that she had tried to contact her mother, and admitted to striking Woodley with the hammer after he allegedly demanded sex and grabbed her. Her father urged her to call 911, but she hung up, prompting him to call emergency services himself.
McGrew is being held without bond on charges of second-degree murder and tampering with evidence. Her first pretrial hearing is reportedly scheduled for August 27, 2025. As McGrew awaits her day in court, the community and legal system face the challenge of untangling this tragic and violent episode. The case raises broader questions about how victims of abuse seek justice and the limits of vigilante actions in the face of alleged long-term trauma.
What This Means for You
This story is a stark reminder of the complexities behind violent crimes and the human stories that often go untold. It challenges you to think about the fine line between victim and perpetrator, and how justice must navigate these murky waters carefully. It also underscores the importance of support systems for those who suffer abuse, to prevent tragedies like this from unfolding.
As the investigation continues, you can expect more details to emerge, shedding light on the motivations and circumstances that led to this shocking act. For now, the haunting image of a note accusing a man of preying on children, left on his lifeless body, remains a powerful symbol of pain, accusation, and the desperate search for justice.
McGrew's claims of long-term abuse remain allegations and have not been proven in court. The note and her statements reflect her account, but both she and Woodley are entitled to the presumption of innocence until legal proceedings establish the facts.
References: Florida Woman Accused of Murder Allegedly Left Note on Victim's Body Explaining Motive | Woman murdered man with hammer, left note in green highlighter: Police | Court TV | Woman killed man with hammer, left note on body: Police | Woman accused of killing man with hammer and leaving note on his chest pleads not guilty
