Family of 7-year-old killed in shootout grateful to JSO for hard work, protection

The family of 7-year-old Heidy Rivas-Villanueva is grateful for all the hard work and protection the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office has provided.

As the Sheriff’s Office continues its search for the third suspect in the shooting death of the 7-year-old, her family members said they’re feeling a littler calmer and safer knowing two people are in custody.

RELATED STORY: JSO: Felony murder warrants issued in death of Jacksonville 7-year-old girl

PHOTOS: Persons of interest in murder of Jacksonville 7-year-old girl

They also told Action News Jax they’re grateful for the Sheriff's Office, its protection and the hard work its staff did to catch two of the people responsible for Heidy’s death. Now, they’re hoping the agency will catch the third person soon.

Monday night there was heavy police presence in the area of 103rd Street. Some of our viewers contacted Action News Jax to find out what was happening.

We now know some of that police presence was for the search for the third suspect, Abrion Maurice Price.

"It's gotta stop somewhere,” said Justin Stewart.

He told Action News Jax reporter Courtney Cole that he left Middleburg and moved to Jacksonville Heights with his family just over a year ago.

"It was quiet for the first year. But here, just in the last two weeks, we had a young man shot on this end of the road. Now, last night police right here,” Stewart said.

Stewart described what he could see from his home. “I got home at 9 o’clock last night. From 9 p.m. until about 11 p.m., a helicopter was flying right over the house. Police were up and down the street,” Stewart said.

Stewart’s house on Lancia Street is just a three-minute walk and only a one-minute drive  from the strip mall where Heidy was shot on Saturday.

"It's scary. It's getting to the point that you don't even want to let the kids come outside anymore in the neighborhood, because you're in fear for their life,” Stewart said.

Stewart said he also has a 7-year-old daughter and doesn't want her to have to grow up in a place like this.

When Cole asked Stewart if he was considering moving, he said, “Absolutely. We're actually ... me and my wife ... are talking about moving now, somewhere out towards the country.”

Cox Media Group