In the wake of the killing of 22-month-old Aiden McClendon in a gang-related shooting, Action News Jax is asking the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office the tough questions about the investigation and what's being done differently to end the cycle of violence in the city.
JSO and city leaders tell us they are working on a new plan to combat gang violence, but they are also calling on the community to help.
JSO Chief of Investigations Tom Hackney said they have only received four tips in baby Aiden's case.
“You can’t help but hope the murder of a 22-month-old raises awareness,” Hackney said.
Friday night, JSO swarmed the shooting scene off Spearing Street where Aiden was shot in the gang related drive-by. The toddler is 1 of 14 killed in January in Jacksonville.
We asked if investigators can expect different results following the same protocol.
“You hate to try the same thing over and over again that has failed. When it comes to just the specific investigation, murder, making some headway with it, we’ve done fairly well,” Hackney said.
Crime Stoppers is offering a $20,000 reward.
But Hackney said the so-called code of silence on the streets is making it difficult to get tips and at least one baby-killer is still on the run.
“Our plan of attack is just that each one of the cases has its own differences and the attack is based on itself,” Hackney said.
So are other killers in Jacksonville's unsolved murders.
"Our success rate varies, but it varies because of witness cooperation," Hackney said.
Inside Bethel Baptist Church, prayers rang out for JSO and their investigation to find Aiden McClendon's killer during a vigil for the toddler and the other victims of a deadly weekend in Jacksonville.
State attorney Angela Corey joined Hackney and others with JSO at this solemn service.
“We’re going to work hard for our victims; we just want to see the violence stop,” Corey said.
“Something has got to change, something has to change with the city,” Hackney said.
Anyone with any information on any murder in Jacksonville is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-866-845-TIPS. You can remain anonymous.
Cox Media Group
