Joseph Bellamy, 18, was shot and killed in his home on Jan. 6, 2001. His roommates were in the home when it happened but despite eyewitnesses to the crime, his slaying remains unsolved nearly two decades later.
It happened at Bellamy’s apartment on California Avenue near 103rd Street.
His mom, Susan Parrish, never forgot the words from the doctor at the hospital.
Yet another face to the growing backlog of unsolved murders in #Jacksonville. Next at 5:30, we’ll show you the story of Joseph Bellamy. His mom Susan is praying she’ll one day get answers, you may be able to help. Hope you can tune in @ActionNewsJax @projectcoldcase #ColdCase pic.twitter.com/s1tIYNPxSe
— Lorena Inclán (@LorenaANjax) January 17, 2019
Parrish was told at UF Health, then called Shands, that her son had been shot multiple times and that one of the bullets hit him in the neck.
His body was so badly damaged that she couldn’t bring herself to seeing him in that state.
Parrish admits her son had problems growing up.
The motive for the killing remains unclear.
Witnesses reported seeing two suspects running away but the eyewitness accounts have been unable to help the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office make an arrest.
For Parrish, these past 18 years have been marked with intense sadness that led to two attempts to end her own life.
She said Thursday it’s her faith along with her family and other son, that keeps her going.
She said that over the years she has learned to forgive but that doesn’t mean she will stop searching for answers.
"I just want to know why you had to do it? Why?" said Parrish.
If you know anything that could help investigators solve this case or other cold cases, call Crime Stoppers at 1-866-845-TIPS. You can remain anonymous and if your tip leads to an arrest you may be eligible for a reward.
Cox Media Group
