Parker Sentenced to Life in Prison for Murder of Caroline Schollaert

State Attorney Melissa Nelson announces that the Honorable Meredith Charbula today sentenced Tyree Parker to life in Florida State Prison for the 2021 killing of Caroline Schollaert. Parker previously pleaded guilty in open court to Second-Degree Murder and Armed Burglary.

In the early morning hours of Aug. 3, 2021, Schollaert called 911 from her Riverside home to report that she was holding an auto burglary suspect at gunpoint who she discovered breaking into her car. Schollaert described the appearance of the suspect — who was later determined to be Parker —and his clothing when she said the suspect began to run. The 911 operator then heard gunshots. When law enforcement arrived at the scene, Schollaert was dead from gunshot wounds and Parker was not at the scene. Recovered home security footage showed Parker draw a firearm and shoot Schollaert. Additional surveillance footage from the neighborhood captured Parker before the incident and then immediately after running down the sidewalk and jumping into a waiting vehicle. Detectives found several items of Parker’s during a search of the area. Further investigation revealed an individual who told police Parker admitted to being involved in the shooting and running from police. Text and social media messages further confirmed Parker’s involvement, as did the discovery of a blue bag Parker had at the time of the shooting that contained identification.

“Caroline Schollaert was a selfless friend and bright light in this world, and she served our country with distinction in the U.S. Coast Guard. Her senseless murder has caused deep pain to those who knew and loved her. Today’s sentence of life without parole is appropriate,” said State Attorney Melissa Nelson.

The case was investigated by the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office and prosecuted by Assistant State
Attorneys Lauren Randall and Dan Skinner.