Jacksonville man shot in 1989, dies in 2021. Police say his death is now classified as a murder

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — A shooting that took place in 1989 is now being classified as a murder after the victim died earlier this month, according to records on the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office Transparency Page.

According to a newly replicated JSO digital report that replaces the paper report from 1989, Michael Anthony Daniels, who was 31 at the time, was shot at the Blue Ribbon Food Store in the 2000 block of Phoenix Avenue on July 18, 1989.

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Kelley Sam Amber, who was 52 at the time of the shooting, was arrested that day for aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, according to the report.

The report said at the time of the shooting, Daniels was taken to University Hospital -- now UF Health Jacksonville -- with non-life-threatening injuries.

According to an obituary that matches Daniels’ first, middle and last name but has a slightly different birth date than the JSO report, Daniels died on Oct. 8. According to the JSO Transparency page, his death was classified as a murder on Oct. 14.

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The JSO report said the medical examiner “ruled the case a homicide after review of the medical records.”

Action News Jax is working to learn from authorities what in Daniels’ medical records led to the case being reclassified.

We are also working to learn if Amber is still alive -- if he was, he would be 84 now. An obituary posted online and that appeared in the Florida Times-Union matches Amber’s first, middle and last name states he died Jan. 1, 2017, but we are working to confirm with JSO if that is the case.

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