JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Thursday marked seven years since the triple murder of a Jacksonville family.
On Dec. 12, 2017, Ariyan Johnson, 19, and QuaSean Trotter, 20, were shot and killed inside their Woodland Acres home.
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Their daughter, 10-month-old Arielle Trotter, died from smoke inhalation after police say the suspect lit the family’s Christmas tree on fire.
To this day, no arrests have been made. We were able to speak to Mario Peterson, the grandfather of Ariyan Johnson, on Thursday.
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“She was an entrepreneur. She had everything going for her life and a tragic situation took that. But I want everybody to remember this year when they’re with their families and love what you all got while it’s there. Because the next day is never promised. And I lost all of that in one night. And there’s no closure,” Peterson said.
Peterson said it not only hurts to have lost his family, but losing them around the holidays was especially difficult.
“This is an unsolved murder. It is a cold case. This was a tragic time. This is a very tragic time for the simple fact that this was committed before Christmas. And it devastates us,” he said.
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He’s asking anyone who may have any information to come forward.
“Let’s break this code of silence. We can do better as people, as American citizens, as people. Jacksonville can do better. I believe in us. I’m born and raised here. We are great people when we stand together and stand up for no more. That’s what we need to do in our life. Say no more. No more senseless crimes. Let’s do better,” Peterson said.
Anyone with information in this case is asked to call the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office at (904) 630-0500. To remain anonymous and possibly be eligible for a $3,000 reward, call First Coast Crime Stoppers at (866) 845-TIPS.
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