Cops: Host Bludgeoned by Guest at BBQ During Argument over How to Cut Meat

JACKSONVILLE, Florida – Police say a man was killed after being struck in the head Saturday night at his own party. Joshua Andrew Heinz, 31, was hosting a party to watch the NFL playoffs at his house on the Southside. According to police, just before midnight, Heinz entered his kitchen and began arguing with a guest known only as “Chico,” about how the BBQ was being cut. 

A witness told the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office that he saw the argument but not the actual act of violence. The witness turned his back, heard a noise and then saw Heinz on the ground and a bat in Chico’s hand. The incident report states the witness grabbed the bat before Chico fled out the back door. 

When police arrived, they found Heinz lying on the floor with a large bruise on his head. He was conscious but unable to speak. He reportedly died the next morning at St. Vincent’s Medical Center. 

The incident occurred in the 11000 block of North Santa Fe Street off of St. Johns Bluff Road on the Southside. Anyone with information is being asked to contact the Sheriff’s Office.