'Today it's my son, but tomorrow it could be your son'; Jacksonville mom mourns loss of son

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Several local families are mourning the loss of loved ones.

Others are recovering in the hospital following seven shootings across the Jacksonville area last weekend.

RELATED: Community reaction to recent violence in Jacksonville

So far,  21 people have been killed this year in Duval County.

Now, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office is looking for the people responsible in two-thirds of those cases.

Action News Jax Courtney Cole spoke to a mother who is now one of the latest faces behind the push to end local violence.

"It's a feeling you can't describe. You never really know the feeling until you've been there,” Sheila Augusta said.

The feeling of losing someone you love to gun violence is something Augusta says no parent should have to experience.

She chooses to remember his smiling face instead.

STORY: Jacksonville man shot in front of his home during attempted carjacking, JSO says

"My favorite memory is just laughing with him. He was a very cheerful person and he always wanted to bring a smile to everyone's face,” Augusta told Action News Jax.

Her son, 27-year-old Ronald Jenkins, was shot and killed on Ken Knight Drive just before 3 p.m. Saturday.

Witnesses told police the suspects fled in a black Kia Optima or black Hyundai Sonata.

Police believe at least two men were inside the car.

“To be honest, I'm not angry. I just pray for them. I know that God is able. I just pray that they're captured and that justice is served,” Augusta said.

Augusta told Action News Jax that she doesn't know who would want to take her son's life, but she knows his spirit lives on through his daughter.

"She was one year old and he loved her dearly,” she said.

As police work to identify possible suspects, Augusta said she has a message for anyone with information about what happened.

“Today it's my son, but tomorrow it could be your son, your brother your sister. So just speak up.”

Action News Jax Courtney Cole reached out to Crimestoppers. They told her they’ve only received one tip since he was murdered Saturday.

Anyone with information is urged to call Crimestoppers at 866-845-TIPS. (Remember, you can call anonymously.)

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