Murder of Jacksonville couple, baby remains a mystery 3 years later

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — A family’s fight for justice continues nearly three years since a young couple and their baby girl were killed in their own home.

Action News Jax has been following the triple murder at the Woodland Acres home on India Avenue since Dec. 2017.

Ariyan Johnson, 19, and Quasean Trotter, 20, were just starting their family when they welcomed a baby they named Arielle.

On Dec. 12, 2017, police said the parents were shot to death. The couple’s 11-month-old daughter, Arielle, died from smoke inhalation after someone set the Christmas tree on fire. To this day, no arrests have been made.

Mario Peterson married into the family. He said the wait for answers hasn’t shaken the family’s confidence that the killer or killers will be caught.

”I feel that we will get justice,” Peterson said.

Peterson said things haven’t gotten any easier for loved ones.

”This pain does not go away,” he said. “Once you lose a family member, this is something you never ever get over.”

Peterson said grief is something he lives with every day. He’s begging for whoever is responsible to turn themselves in.

Thursday, Action News Jax asked the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office several questions about the case, including if detectives have any suspects or persons of interest. JSO said it’s an active investigation.

First Coast Crime Stoppers tells Action News Jax it’s received 11 tips so far. The last tip came in Aug. 2018.

Cox Media Group